Romário at 60: Celebrating a Football Legend’s Legacy and Reflections on Today's Game

Romário de Souza Faria, famously known as "Baixinho," marks his 60th birthday on January 29, 2026, reflecting on a storied football career and his evolving roles beyond the pitch. Widely regarded as one of football’s greats, Romário’s prolific career saw him score over 1,000 goals, including 71 in 71 appearances for Brazil, and win the 1994 FIFA World Cup as the tournament's top scorer. His club journey spanned clubs like Vasco da Gama, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and Flamengo, establishing him as a global football icon.

Since retiring, Romário has transitioned into media and politics, launching "Romário TV" in December 2024 where he conducts candid interviews with sports personalities, echoing his direct playing style. His political career began in 2001, leading to election as a federal deputy in 2011 and a senator in 2015, continuously blending public service with sports commentary.

In a recent exclusive CNN Brasil interview reflecting on his birthday, Romário praised coach Fernando Diniz as Brazil’s best, citing his leadership in Fluminense’s 2023 Libertadores win. However, he voiced criticism of the current generation of Brazilian footballers for struggling to form a cohesive team capable of winning the World Cup, acknowledging it is "more difficult for this generation" but "not impossible." Romário underscored Neymar's critical importance, warning that without him, Brazil’s national team situation would be "worse," describing the current state as "sad" and "lamentable."

Also serving as president of América-RJ since 2023, Romário discussed embracing the SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol) model to address financial difficulties of Brazilian clubs, signaling his continued dedication to improving football off the field.

As Romário celebrates this milestone, his legacy as a legendary footballer and outspoken advocate for the sport’s evolution remains influential, blending his passion for football, media, and politics.