Brazilian · Jacarezinho, Rio de Janeiro · Born 29 January 1966Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner and scorer of over 1,000 career goals — a natural finisher of almost supernatural efficiency.
Romário de Souza Faria was born in Jacarezinho, Rio de Janeiro in 1966 and developed at Vasco da Gama (1985–1988) before PSV Eindhoven (1988–1993) where he won 2 Eredivisie titles and scored 165 goals in 167 appearances. Barcelona signed him in 1993 and he scored 34 goals in 33 La Liga appearances — including the title-winning campaign of 1993–94. He won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil and the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. His 743 career goals in 994 appearances — across 11 clubs and 5 countries — represents one of the most extraordinary goalscoring records in the sport's history. In 70 Brazil appearances he scored 55 goals. His top speed of 29.4 km/h was not exceptional but his acceleration in the first three metres was considered the fastest ever recorded — making him almost impossible to dispossess in tight spaces. He provided 276 career assists. He scored goals at every level of football he played across a career that lasted until 2008 when he was 41. He served as a federal deputy in Brazil's National Congress from 2010 to 2015.
Leading Brazil to 1994 World Cup victory as top scorer
How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning, pace in the box, and ability to score from tight angles
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest strikers ever, master of the penalty area with exceptional finishing ability
Career Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1994 (Brazil)
- Copa América 1989, 1997
- Eredivisie 1991, 1992 (PSV)
- La Liga 1994 (Barcelona)
- Ballon d'Or 1994
- FIFA World Player of Year 1994
- Campeonato Brasileiro 4x
- FIFA World Cup 1994
- Copa América 1989
- Copa América 1997
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasco da Gama | 1985–1988 | — | 141 | 80 | #11 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 1988–1993 | — | 110 | 98 | #11 |
| Barcelona | 1993–1995 | — | 46 | 34 | #11 |
| Flamengo | 1995–1996 | — | 59 | 60 | — |
| Valencia | 1996–1997 | — | 11 | 5 | — |
| Flamengo | 1997–1997 | loan | 22 | 21 | — |
| Flamengo | 1998–1999 | — | 65 | 34 | — |
| Vasco da Gama | 2000–2002 | — | 73 | 79 | #11 |
| Fluminense | 2002–2004 | — | 73 | 45 | — |
| Al Sadd | 2003–2003 | loan | 3 | 0 | — |
| Vasco da Gama | 2005–2006 | — | 50 | 35 | #11 |
| Miami FC | 2006–2006 | — | 25 | 19 | — |
| Adelaide United | 2006–2006 | loan | 4 | 1 | — |
| Vasco da Gama | 2007–2007 | — | 15 | 13 | #11 |
| America-RJ | 2009–2009 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
 Brazil | — | — | 70 | 55 | — |
Brazilian Athletes