# Romário

> Former Brazilian footballer, politician and Senator of Brazil since 2015

**Wikidata**: [Q178649](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q178649)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romário)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/romario

## Summary
Romário is a former Brazilian footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history, who later became a politician and has served as a Senator of Brazil since 2015. His most iconic achievement was his performance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Brazil win the championship and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

## Biography
- Born: January 29, 1966
- Nationality: Brazil
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Being a legendary football striker and later serving as a Brazilian Senator
- Employer(s): Not specified
- Field(s): Association football, politics

## Contributions
Romário made significant contributions both in sports and politics:
- **Football Career**: Romário was a prolific goalscorer, known for his clinical finishing and agility. He played a pivotal role in Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup victory, scoring five goals in the tournament, including the decisive penalty in the final shootout against Italy. His individual brilliance also earned him the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1994.
- **Political Career**: Since 2015, Romário has been a member of the Brazilian Senate, representing Rio de Janeiro. In this role, he has advocated for social causes and sports development, using his platform to influence public policy.

## FAQs
**What are Romário's major achievements in football?**  
Romário is best known for his role in Brazil's 1994 World Cup win, where he scored five goals and was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player. He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1994, cementing his status as one of football's elite players.

**What has Romário done in politics?**  
Romário has been a Senator of Brazil since 2015, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro. In this role, he has focused on social issues and sports policy, leveraging his fame to advocate for underrepresented communities and youth development.

**What awards has Romário received?**  
Romário won the 1994 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1994, and received the L'Équipe Champion of Champions award, recognizing him as one of the top athletes globally.

**What is Romário's nickname?**  
Romário is commonly known by the nickname "Baixinho," which translates to "the little one," a reference to his relatively short stature as a striker.

## Why They Matter
Romário's impact transcends football and politics. In sports, he is remembered as one of the most clinical and efficient strikers in football history, helping Brazil secure its fourth World Cup title in 1994. His influence on the pitch inspired a generation of Brazilian players and elevated the global profile of Brazilian football. In politics, his tenure as a Senator has brought attention to social issues and youth empowerment, using his celebrity to advocate for change. His dual legacy as a sports icon and public servant underscores his unique role in Brazilian culture.

## Notable For
- **FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1994)**: Awarded for being the best player of the 1994 World Cup.
- **FIFA World Player of the Year (1994)**: Recognized as the best footballer globally for that year.
- **Senator of Brazil (since 2015)**: Served in the Brazilian Senate, representing Rio de Janeiro.
- **L'Équipe Champion of Champions**: Honored as one of the top athletes globally by the French sports magazine.
- **1994 World Cup Hero**: Scored five goals in the tournament, including the decisive penalty in the final shootout.
- **Nickname "Baixinho"**: Known affectionately as "the little one" due to his compact stature and lethal finishing ability.

## Body

### Early Life and Football Beginnings
Romário de Souza Faria, commonly known as Romário, was born on January 29, 1966. He began his football career in Brazil, quickly gaining recognition for his agility, speed, and clinical finishing. His early promise led him to professional clubs, where he began to make a name for himself as a prolific striker.

### Club Career and Rise to Fame
Romário's club career saw him play for several top-tier teams, including clubs in Brazil, Spain, and Italy. His time at FC Barcelona was particularly notable, where his partnership with Ronaldinho helped define an era of Brazilian excellence in European football. He became known for his ability to score goals with precision and consistency, earning admiration from fans and peers alike.

### 1994 FIFA World Cup and International Stardom
In 1994, Romário played a central role in Brazil's World Cup victory in the United States. He scored five goals during the tournament, including a crucial goal in the final against Italy, which Brazil won on penalties. His performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. This World Cup performance solidified his status as a global football icon.

### Awards and Recognition
Romário's excellence on the pitch was recognized with several prestigious awards:
- **FIFA World Player of the Year (1994)**: This award placed him among the elite footballers of his generation.
- **Golden Ball (1994 World Cup)**: A testament to his influence in Brazil's World Cup triumph.
- **L'Équipe Champion of Champions**: Acknowledged by one of the world’s top sports magazines for his global impact.

### Transition to Politics
In 2015, Romário transitioned into politics, becoming a Senator representing the state of Rio de Janeiro. His political career has focused on social issues, youth development, and leveraging his public profile to advocate for underrepresented groups. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by efforts to improve sports infrastructure and support for young athletes.

### Public Persona and Advocacy
Romário's nickname "Baixinho" reflects his physical stature and his larger-than-life impact on and off the field. As a public figure, he has used his platform to address social inequality, education, and sports development in Brazil. His dual legacy as a football legend and a committed public servant underscores his enduring influence in Brazilian society.

### Legacy and Cultural Impact
Romário's legacy is multifaceted. In football, he is remembered for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability and his role in Brazil's World Cup victory. In politics, he has used his fame to bring attention to critical social issues. His life and career reflect a unique blend of athletic excellence and public service, making him a defining figure in modern Brazilian culture.

## References

1. worldfootball.net
2. [Source](https://www25.senado.leg.br/web/senadores/em-exercicio)
3. [Source](https://f5.folha.uol.com.br/celebridades/2022/06/ivy-cacula-de-romario-esta-namorando-colega-de-serie-sobre-sindrome-de-down.shtml)
4. [Source](https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/futbol/20240417/9597156/romario-vuelve-futbol-profesional-58-anos-equipo-preside.html)
5. Transfermarkt
6. [Source](http://de.fifa.com/worldcup/awards/golden-ball/intro.html)
7. [Source](https://noticias.uol.com.br/politica/ultimas-noticias/2022/11/20/metade-dos-parlamentares-eleitos-que-dizem-ser-negros-sao-brancos.htm)
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. UEFA.com
13. FIFA.com
14. Olympedia
15. BBC Things
16. Library of Congress Control Number
17. YouTube API