Fifteen years after hanging up his boots, the renowned football figure from Brazil, Romario, has decided to come out of retirement to rejoin America as a player.
The iconic striker, who is 58 years old, boasts an impressive track record: a World Cup triumph, a stint as a senator, and the presidency of his beloved club, America of Rio de Janeiro.
The winner of the 1994 World Cup revealed on Wednesday that he has formally enrolled to play once again for struggling America, who are currently competing in the second division of the Rio state championship and striving to regain their status in the top-flight league.
In an Instagram post, Romario expressed his readiness to provide assistance to his cherished America: “I’m prepared to offer a helping hand to my beloved America,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the support he’s received.
This return to the pitch will hold special significance for Romario, as his 30-year-old son, Romarinho, also plays as a forward for the club. “It will be a dream come true to share the field with my son,” Romario remarked.
In a previous social media update, Romario clarified that he doesn’t intend to participate in the entire state championship. “I simply wish to partake in a few matches with my beloved team and fulfill the dream of playing alongside my son,” he stated.
Romario’s allegiance to America traces back to his upbringing, as it was his late father’s favorite club. Although he commenced his professional career with their local rivals, Vasco, Romario swiftly transitioned to Europe, where he enjoyed success with PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.
Throughout his journey, Romario played a pivotal role in Brazil’s victorious 1994 World Cup campaign in the United States, earning the FIFA World Player of the Year accolade that same year. Although he retired in 2008, Romario made a brief comeback the following year for a short stint with America.
Having been elected to the Senate in 2015 and securing re-election in 2022, Romario has assumed the presidency at America since January, entrusted with the responsibility of revitalizing the club’s precarious financial situation and steering it back to top-flight competition.
