Romário Turns Interviewer: Reflections on Football, Politics, and Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

Former Brazil striker Romário launched a weekly YouTube series titled “face to face with the man” in 2025, interviewing football icons such as Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Xavi Hernández and Iker Casillas. He calls the venture “a brand-new situation in my life” that reconnects him with his playing era and lets him “enjoy… it.”

The Guardian

Romário won the 1994 World Cup, was named the tournament’s best player, and earned 71 caps for Brazil. He retired in 2006 and entered politics, first with the socialist PSB, then Podemos in 2017, and the centrist PL in 2021. He served as a federal deputy (2010) and senator (2014), keeping an “independent path” despite party changes.

The Guardian

Key figures: 1994 World Cup champion and best player; 71 caps; wore number 11 for most of his club career; the 2026 World Cup will be held in June-July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. These numbers anchor Romário’s claim of being “one of the five greatest players of all time.”

The Guardian

Romário says his priorities are education, health, social issues and sport. He refuses to back drug legalization, abortion or gun liberalisation, noting, “I only sign projects I believe are good.” He also emphasizes fighting for people with disabilities and pushes for greater education investment, a priority not shared by his PL party.

The Guardian

Sports commentators have repeatedly labelled Romário “lazy,” noting his “lack of practice” compared with peers. Politically, his frequent party switches and refusal to toe party lines have drawn criticism from both left- and right-wing factions, who view his independence as opportunistic.

The Guardian

Romário likens the national team’s situation to 1994, noting, “Brazil has players who perform well for their clubs… but when they pull on the Brazil jersey they fail to deliver.” He hopes the squad can reach “80 % of the level they show for their clubs” to give Brazil a realistic chance of winning.

The Guardian

• “This whole Romário TV thing is a brand-new situation in my life,” — Romário

The Guardian

• “I’m sure I would have wanted this back in my day.” — Romário

The Guardian

• “My focus is on education, health, social issues and sport,” — Romário

The Guardian

• “We’re in a situation very similar to 1994,” — Romário

The Guardian

Romário claims “perhaps 50 % of Brazil didn’t have access to my matches” in the 1990s, but the sources provide no independent data to verify that figure, leaving the exact viewership gap unconfirmed.

The Guardian

The 2026 World Cup begins in June, and Brazil’s performance will be closely watched. Simultaneously, Brazil’s presidential election in October pits incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against Flávio Bolsonaro. Romário’s YouTube platform provides a venue for his commentary on football and politics as both events approach.

The Guardian