Romário - Former Footballer
Age: 60
Country: Brazil Occupations:
Former Footballer
Romário (Romário de Souza Faria) is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers and most lethal goalscorers in the history of soccer. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1966, he became a global icon known for his clinical finishing, explosive bursts of speed over short distances, and incredible intelligence inside the penalty box.
The Playing Style
Despite his relatively short stature, which earned him the nickname "Baixinho" (Shorty), Romário dominated defenders using extreme agility, balance, and the ability to strike the ball with minimal backlift. He was famous for his signature toe-poke finishes and an icily calm composure when facing opposing goalkeepers one-on-one. Legendary Dutch manager Johan Cruyff famously described him as a "genius of the goal area."
Career Highlights
1994 World Cup Triumph: Romário was the absolute focal point of the Brazilian national team that won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He scored five goals during the tournament, won the Golden Ball as the competition's best player, and was named FIFA World Player of the Year later that year.
Club Success: He enjoyed massive success in Europe, first with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he scored nearly a goal per game, and later with Barcelona, where he was a crucial member of Cruyff’s celebrated "Dream Team" that won the Spanish league title.
The 1,000-Goal Milestone: Romário played well into his 40s, driven by a personal quest to reach 1,000 career goals (including youth, friendly, and exhibition matches), a milestone he officially celebrated in 2007 while playing for Vasco da Gama.
After retiring from professional soccer, Romário transitioned into politics. He was elected to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies in 2010 and later became a federal senator representing Rio de Janeiro.