Romário, Brazilian footballer, manager, and politician

Romário de Souza Faria, universally known by his singular name Romário (Brazilian Portuguese: [ʁoˈmaɾiu]), stands as an iconic Brazilian figure who masterfully transitioned from a globally celebrated professional footballer to an influential politician. Born on January 29, 1966, his career trajectory is marked by unparalleled success on the pitch and a significant commitment to public service.

A Footballing Phenomenon: The Prolific Striker

Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Romário was a prolific striker whose name became synonymous with clinical finishing. His remarkable career tally of 780 goals in 1000 official games solidifies his place among the elite goalscorers in the sport's history. His innate ability to convert chances, often with minimal effort, made him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

International Stardom and Global Recognition

Romário's international career peaked in 1994, when he was the undisputed star of the Brazil national team that triumphed at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. His five crucial goals, including pivotal contributions in knockout stages, were instrumental in securing Brazil's first World Cup title in 24 years. His exceptional performances earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player.

The same year, his stellar form was further acknowledged when he was named FIFA World Player of the Year, affirming his status as the world's premier footballer. His enduring legacy is underscored by numerous other accolades:

• In 1999, he ranked fifth in the FIFA Player of the Century internet poll, reflecting widespread fan admiration.
• He was deservedly elected to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002, a selection of the greatest players in World Cup history.
• In 2004, Pelé himself included Romário in the FIFA 100 list, commemorating the 100th anniversary of FIFA by naming the greatest living players.

Illustrious Club Career: Dominance Across Continents

European Success: PSV Eindhoven and FC Barcelona

After honing his skills in Brazil, notably with CR Vasco da Gama and Flamengo, Romário embarked on a highly successful European venture. In 1988, he joined PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he quickly became a sensation. Over five seasons, he helped the club secure three Eredivisie titles, showcasing an incredible scoring rate of 165 goals in just 167 games, a testament to his consistent impact.

His formidable talent then brought him to FC Barcelona in 1993, where he became a crucial component of Johan Cruyff's legendary "Dream Team." Forming an electrifying strike partnership with Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov, Romário's clinical finishes were a perfect complement to Barcelona's attacking philosophy. In his debut season, he led the team to a La Liga title, finishing as the league's top goalscorer with an astonishing 30 goals in just 33 matches, cementing his status as one of Europe's most feared strikers.

Return to Brazil and Later Career

In the latter half of his career, Romário primarily played for clubs based in his native Rio de Janeiro, continuing to demonstrate his scoring prowess. He famously led CR Vasco da Gama to the Brazilian league title in 2000 and was the league's top scorer on three separate occasions, proving his lasting dominance in domestic football. Towards the very end of his illustrious playing days, he also had brief stints with clubs in Qatar (Al-Sadd), the United States (Miami FC), and Australia (Adelaide United), before officially retiring.

The Romário Style: Genius in the Box

Romário's playing style was unique and highly effective, characterized by his exceptional ability within the confines of the penalty area. He was widely regarded as a 'master of the confined space,' using his rapid acceleration over short distances and a remarkably low center of gravity to weave past defenders with deceptive ease. His signature move, the 'toe poke' finish, became famous for its speed, precision, and the minimal backlift required, often catching goalkeepers off guard.

Record-Breaking Goalscorer

His prolific scoring record extends to the international stage and domestic leagues:

• With 55 goals in 70 appearances for the Brazil national team, Romário ranks as the fourth-highest goalscorer in the nation's rich footballing history, placing him behind only legendary figures such as Pelé, Neymar, and Ronaldo.
• Domestically, he stands third on the all-time list of Brazilian league's top scorers with 155 goals, further highlighting his consistent impact in his home country.
• Globally, Romário is recognized as the seventh-highest goalscorer in the history of football, with an astonishing 780 goals tallied across 1000 official matches throughout his celebrated career.

From Pitch to Parliament: Romário's Political Career

Following his unparalleled football career, Romário embarked on a new chapter in public service. His political journey began in 2010 when he was successfully elected as a Federal Deputy for the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), representing the state of Rio de Janeiro. As a legislator, he quickly gained recognition for championing causes related to sports, education, and the rights of people with disabilities, a cause close to his heart as a father of a daughter with Down syndrome.

His political influence grew, leading to his election as a Senator for the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2014, a significant advancement in Brazil's bicameral legislative system. While serving in the Senate, Romário continued to advocate for social inclusion and transparency. He later changed political affiliations, joining Podemos in 2017 and subsequently the Liberal Party in 2021, a common practice in the dynamic landscape of Brazilian politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Romário

When was Romário born?

Romário was born on January 29, 1966.

What major award did Romário win in 1994?

In 1994, Romário won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and was also named FIFA World Player of the Year.

Which major European clubs did Romário play for?

Romário played for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and FC Barcelona in Spain, achieving significant success with both clubs.

How many official goals did Romário score in his career?

Romário scored 780 goals in 1000 official games, making him one of the top goalscorers in football history.

What is Romário's political role?

Romário currently serves as a Senator in the Brazilian Congress, having previously been a Federal Deputy.