In the past year, few interviewers have managed to attract names like Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Xavi Hernández, and Iker Casillas. However, Romário possesses a unique charisma that draws these football titans to him. Over three decades since he led Brazil to victory as the World Cup champion and was awarded the best player title in 1994, Romário is on a mission to engage with football legends for his YouTube channel.
Initiating his ‘face to face with the man’ series a year ago, Romário shared, “The entire Romário TV venture is a fresh chapter in my life. I’m genuinely enjoying it. It’s fantastic.”
“This endeavor allows me to reconnect with my past. After retiring in 2006, stepping into the role of an interviewer transports me back to cherished moments, particularly when conversing with contemporaries. This connection is one of the main reasons for my enjoyment in this new role,” he explained.
Recognized as one of the all-time greats, not just in Brazilian football but globally, Romário does not shy away from expressing his self-assuredness. He boldly declared, “I consider myself among the five greatest players ever.”
When pressed to elaborate on his top picks, he outlined a list of six: “Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, myself, and Ronaldo. That’s my list. I’d give myself an 11 out of 10 as a player.”
The rating of 11 also reflects the jersey number he sported during much of his illustrious club career and throughout his 71 appearances for Brazil, including the memorable 1994 World Cup. Although he often faced criticism for being uncommitted to training, he staunchly defends his approach.
“People labeled me as lazy,” he acknowledged, addressing the common criticism. “I didn’t train in the conventional manner that many expected. But I scored goals.”
“I was a dominant force on the field, and I didn’t concern myself with others’ opinions. Those who didn’t like it had to deal with it,” he stated emphatically.
Romário’s playing days unfolded in a vastly different landscape, devoid of social media, which allowed him to lead a lively life off the pitch without the scrutiny that modern players face. While he embraced a vibrant nightlife, he acknowledged that had he played today, his behavior might have had to change, yet he might have gained more recognition for his accomplishments.
“I would’ve appreciated social media in my time. I’m certain I would have desired it back then. The internet reveals your true self. In football, it’s possible that around 50% of Brazil didn’t have access to my games and weren’t aware of my contributions. Nowadays, everyone is informed about everything,” he remarked.
“However, there’s a downside. People weren’t privy to the foolish things I did. That could have been a nightmare, but it’s part of life. Had social media existed during my era, I likely wouldn’t have engaged in as much trouble. But the little that I did would have been widely known.”
Romário smiled as he reflected on his journey. His bold character propelled him into politics after his football career, a commitment he balances with his YouTube pursuits. He commenced his political journey 16 years ago with PSB, Brazil’s socialist party, becoming a federal deputy in 2010 and a senator in 2014.
In 2017, he transitioned to the centrist Podemos party, and four years later, amid populist tides under former President Jair Bolsonaro, he accepted an invitation to join the ruling far-right PL party. Unlike Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest due to an attempted coup, Romário opposes the liberalization of gun ownership and advocates for increased investment in education, an area not prioritized by PL.
“My priorities encompass education, health, social matters, and sports,” he emphasized. “I advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities and champion inclusion. I don’t coerce anyone into supporting my initiatives in exchange for favors, such as legalizing drugs. I refuse to endorse abortion legislation or measures to arm the populace. I only back projects I genuinely believe in.”
When asked to evaluate his performance as a politician, he proclaimed another 11.
Romário’s independent political path, marked by party shifts and a refusal to conform, has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. With presidential elections approaching in October, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva aims for re-election, while Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro’s son, is the favored candidate for the PL.
Romário expresses hope that Carlo Ancelotti’s team can secure Brazil’s sixth World Cup title and restore a sense of calm to the nation. “We find ourselves in a situation reminiscent of 1994,” he noted. “Politically, the country is in disarray. The divide between left and right is stark, and violence is rampant.”
“Negative news floods every corner of the nation. Speaking from experience, having lived through it: a victory for Brazil would bring relief and joy to our suffering populace. I believe it would help ease the political tensions. Winning the World Cup instills hope for brighter days. I genuinely hope Brazil claims the title, but it will be a challenging feat.”
Romário’s skepticism regarding Brazil’s chances stems more from the players’ performances than the squad’s talent. He believes the country hasn’t produced stars like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, or before them, Zico and others.
“Brazil has players excelling at their clubs, showcasing impressive performances in the Premier League and La Liga. They are revered in their teams. Yet, donning the Brazil jersey, they often fail to deliver. I hope they can perform at least 80% of their club level when representing Brazil. If they can achieve that, Brazil stands a chance at winning the title,” he articulated.
Romário suggests that a lack of “spectacular” players has amplified his own significance. “I feel I’ve grown even more important than I was in the past. Years ago, we had Romário and Ronaldo, but today, there’s no one like us.”
“This is why we remain relevant. We bear immense significance in Brazilian football because during our era, we achieved greatness and represented the nation. Regrettably, today, no one else embodies that spirit.”
While Romário acknowledges five teams superior to Brazil, he does not include England in that group. “Brazil holds a stature, and the national jersey carries a weight that commands respect,” he asserted. “England is a strong team, but I rank other sides higher.”
“I admire Harry Kane, [Jude] Bellingham, and [Bukayo] Saka. They are intelligent players with exceptional technique who can make a difference. They may stir some excitement, but I wouldn’t categorize them among the favorites. My top picks are France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Germany, and Brazil.”
Known as the “short man,” Romário attributes his life to football, though he admits he isn’t a passionate spectator. He usually opts for a day at the beach rather than watching matches, except for Brazil games and the Premier League, which draw his interest, especially with Pep Guardiola as a former teammate.
“Pep always possessed a unique intelligence for a player. Even as the youngest among stars like [Hristo] Stoichkov, [José Mari] Bakero, [Ronald] Koeman, and [Miguel Ángel] Nadal, he stood out. He had the ability to control the game.”
“[Johan] Cruyff had immense faith in him. Pep was attentive during Cruyff’s discussions. He was always focused in training. He has translated that into his coaching career, which is why he’s among the best, ranking in the top two or three of all time.”
“He used to say that when I was quiet and had my head down in the dressing room, it would be a bad day. But if I was animated and dancing, nobody could stop me. Everyone has off days; I was no exception, but those occasions were uncommon.”
Before concluding the conversation, Romário took on the role of interviewer, humorously claiming it would be “the greatest interview ever.”
“Romário, how did you manage to play so much while putting in so little effort?” he quipped. “While others were asleep, you were out on the streets. While they were eating, you were enjoying ice lollies at the beach. How did you pull it off?”
“Now Romário will answer… I’ve always had unwavering faith in myself. I was certain that if I’d chosen the athlete’s path, I wouldn’t have reached my level of success.”
“I grew up in [the favela] Jacarezinho but later moved to Vila da Penha [a suburb]. I played barefoot, often injuring my toes. I had to play football in a way that felt comfortable and made me happy. That’s who I was.”
