Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Romario has officially registered himself as a player for Rio de Janeiro second-division side America-RJ, where he also serves as the club president.
The 58-year-old confirmed on social media that he will be playing and participating in future matches.
Romario’s plans regarding his return to America-RJ’s line-up remain uncertain. While he clarified that he won’t participate in league matches, he expressed a strong desire to share the pitch with his son, Romarinho, who also plays for the club.
Romario said on X: “Now I’m ready to give my beloved America a hand in a few games and also, of course, to fulfil my dream of sharing the pitch with my son.”
After retiring in 2008, Romario assumed the role of America-RJ’s sporting director in 2009. Five years later, he was elected senator for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Romario enjoyed a successful career which included playing for Brazil in two World Cups and scoring five crucial goals as his side won the 1994 edition.
Romario briefly returned to the field in 2009. In a poignant moment honouring his late father’s favourite team, he played for 22 minutes, contributing to America-RJ’s triumph as champions of Rio de Janeiro’s second division.
Romario boasts an illustrious career, spanning more than 70 appearances for Brazil from 1987 to 2005, during which he netted 55 goals. He also had notable spells at Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, and Fluminense in Brazil, as well as stints at Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and Valencia.
In 1994, he secured the FIFA World Player of the Year award following Brazil’s triumph at the World Cup in the United States.
GO DEEPER
Zagallo was everything to Brazil – his record-setting involvement defined the national team
(Allsport UK/ALLSPORT)
