Romario, in an interview with Ge Globo, took aim at the current Brazil players. “I see these athletes playing much more for their clubs than for the national team,” he said. This isn’t the first time such criticism has surfaced, especially considering that Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Raphinha are often called out for failing to replicate with Brazil their club-level form, at Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

“I don’t know if they’re holding back, but the level of commitment is different,” added the former striker, who retired in 2009. “In my time, we gave everything for both. That’s also a difference… My generation had more hunger to win. If they understand that this hunger is important, maybe they’ll win.”

Romario had a standout playing career, starring for Barcelona and Brazil, with whom he won the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, earning tournament MVP honors. He also won the Copa America in 1989 and 1997, as well as the 1997 Confederations Cup.

“The national team is different from everything else. I’m very proud of the games I played and, above all, of the titles,” the former forward said. “The national team defined my career—I always gave everything for it.”

Romario breaks down Brazil’s loss to Argentina

The most intense backlash this Brazil squad has faced came after their heavy 4–1 defeat to Argentina in South American qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “The reaction was bigger because of how the loss happened. Losing that way made it a bigger story. We could have played better,” Romario said about the match.

The former striker had played a notable role in the lead-up to that game. It was during a conversation with him that Raphinha made the bold comments that would go viral. “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt… Am I going to score? Yes,” the Barcelona player had said.

Romario has now spoken publicly about Raphinha for the first time since that match and offered a candid take. “The result was terrible, and Raphinha didn’t live up to expectations,” said the Brazilian legend, making it clear he wasn’t satisfied with the winger’s performance.

The former Brazilian striker confidently claimed that his level during his playing days was superior to that of today’s European stars, including Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. “All these guys watched me play, they had my posters in their rooms, man…” Ronaldo joked during an interview with ESPN.

However, when asked to compare himself with Romario—another Brazilian football icon—Ronaldo was more measured in his response. “Romário was tough, really tough… But I think I played more,” said the two-time World Cup champion, who lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2002.

The conversation also turned to Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 80 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing Ronaldo’s 62 goals in 98 matches. “Neymar is incredible, my God… But I think I played better,” Ronaldo asserted.

Ronaldo vs. Neymar vs. Romário: three legends, one legacy

Brazil has produced some of the greatest forwards in soccer history, and few have left a bigger mark than Ronaldo Nazário, Neymar Jr., and Romário. Though they played in different eras and had distinct playing styles, their careers naturally invite comparisons in terms of impact, achievements, and legacy with the Brazilian national team.

Ronaldo Nazário, known as O Fenômeno, is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of all time. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner and two-time World Cup champion, Ronaldo dominated for clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid with his blistering speed, technical skill, and prolific goal-scoring ability. Injuries prevented him from an even more dominant career, but his triumphant return at the 2002 World Cup cemented his place among soccer’s greatest legends.

Neymar Jr., on the other hand, represents Brazil’s modern footballing brilliance. His flair, dribbling, and creativity have made him a global icon. At the club level, he has won major titles with Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, including a historic Champions League triumph in 2015 alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. However, unlike Ronaldo and Romario, he has yet to lead Brazil to World Cup glory—something that continues to weigh on his legacy.

Romario was the defining striker of the 1990s, spearheading Brazil’s World Cup-winning campaign in 1994 after a 24-year drought. Known for his clinical finishing, quick movement in tight spaces, and lethal goal-scoring instinct, Romario was a nightmare for defenders. While his club career in Europe was not as enduring as Ronaldo’s or Neymar’s, his contributions to the national team remain legendary.

Does Neymar belong in the same category as Ronaldo and Romario?

When it comes to legacy, Ronaldo and Romário hold the edge thanks to their World Cup triumphs, a feat Neymar has yet to achieve despite his undeniable talent. Even though Neymar has surpassed Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, his lack of a World Cup title is a significant factor in discussions about his place among the country’s greatest players.

Each of these three superstars left an indelible mark on football, but their legacies differ. Ronaldo is revered for his resilience and ability to overcome adversity, Romario for his goal-scoring prowess, and Neymar as the most commercially influential Brazilian player of the 21st century.

The question remains: Will Neymar elevate himself to the same legendary status as Ronaldo and Romario, or will his career be remembered as one of unfulfilled potential without the ultimate international prize?

During the session shared by ge.globo on Instagram, Romario made bold declarations when asked to choose between himself and other Ballon d’Or winners: “Romário or George Weah: Romário. Romário or Ronaldo: tie. Romário or Zidane: Romário. Romário or Rivaldo: Romário. Romário or Figo: Romário. Romário or Ronaldinho: Romário. Romário or Cannavaro: Romário. Romário or Kaká: Romário. Romário or Cristiano Ronaldo: Romário. Romário or Lionel Messi: tie. Romário or Modric: Romário. Romário or Lewandowski: Romário. Romário or Rodri: Romário.”

The Brazilian emphasized the significance of the Ballon d’Or, calling it “the most important award a player can win.” He fondly recalled his victory in 1994, when he edged out Hristo Stoichkov and Roberto Baggio for the title after a stellar year that included a FIFA World Cup win with Brazil.

Romário’s legacy: A soccer Icon

Romario remains one of the greatest legends in Brazilian soccer history. Born in 1966, the striker was celebrated for his lethal finishing, tight-space dribbling, and remarkable composure in front of goal. His crowning achievement came in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he scored five goals and played a crucial role in leading Brazil to its first World Cup title in 24 years. His dazzling performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and later the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

At the club level, Romario shined for top teams like PSV Eindhoven, FC Barcelona, Flamengo, and Vasco da Gama. His most memorable European spell came at Barcelona under Johan Cruyff, where he netted 30 goals in 33 LaLiga matches during the 1993-94 season, leading the team to a league title. One of his iconic moments was a hat-trick in Barcelona’s famous 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Across his career, Romário claimed to have scored over 1,000 career goals—a rare feat that cements his place among soccer’s elite scorers.

How does Romário compare to modern legends?

Comparing Romario to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is challenging due to differences in eras and playing styles. While Ronaldo and Messi have dominated modern soccer through physicality, longevity, and consistency, Romário relied on an instinctive goal-scoring ability, superb technique, and supreme confidence to become one of the deadliest strikers in history.

Although Romario did not have the same extended European tenure as Ronaldo or Messi, his pivotal role in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup victory and his clinical finishing earned him a revered status in football history. For many, he remains the quintessential No. 9—arguably the most clinical forward of his generation.

However, over the last few years, the best version of Neymar was seen in the Brazil national team and not at PSG. The 30-year-old seemed never to have been entirely happy with the French team. He missed crucial matches due to injuries, had problems with the officials, and was repeatedly booed by the fans, surely this has caused his level of play to decrease. And that doesn’t sit well with PSG’s management or its fans.

Neymar is still one of the greatest players to have played for PSG. In the last match of the Ligue 1 season, PSG defeated Metz 5-0, and the Brazilian made history. The 30-year-old scored the third goal of the game and equaled a record that only Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario have achieved.

Neymar became the third player in football history to score 100 goals with three different professional football clubs. For Santos, Ney scored 136 goals in 225 games. At Barcelona, he scored 105 goals in 186 games. And finally, Neymar reached his 100th goal in 144 games played for PSG.

Compatriot Romario got these numbers for PSV Einhoven, Vasco da Gamma and Flamengo. While Cristiano Ronaldo achieved this feat at three of the biggest clubs in soccerhistory. He did it for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. However, regardless of the great number of goals Neymar scored for the Parisian team, PSG officials have decided that he should leave the club.

PSG officials wantNeymar to leave the club

The renewal of Kylian Mbappehas already begun to have an impact on PSG. Following the dismissal of Leonardo, who has yet to be officially announced, Mauricio Pochettino will be the next to leave. And it also appeared that there will be changes in the roster.

According to information from Le Parisien, the Emir of Qatar, Al-Thani, does not want Neymar to continue next season at PSG. The Brazilian is under contract until 2025, but the club’s officials will look for a way out for him in this transfer window.

As reported by ‘Footmercato’, he has been offered to several European clubs, including FC Barcelona. The big obstacle is his high salary, as few clubs in Europe can afford him. As reported by Marca, Neymar is the highest earning soccer player in the world with a gross salary of 48,996,000 euros per year.

A few months ago, Sky Sports had assured PSG had put Neymar on its transferable list, and the price to let the Brazilian leave was €90 million, a far cry from the €222 million it paid Barcelona to sign him.

Unfortunately, his journey has come to anabrupt endand he was unable tobid farewellto a packed Camp Nou. Messi is now in PSG ready to embark on his first adventure awayfrom Barcelona, who – again – were incapable ofsaying goodbyeto a legend in the way he deserved.

Messi’s departure was probably the most hurtful one for Barca’s fans, but they’ve gone throughsimilar situations before. Here, we’ll take a look at the 13 renowned players who have left Barcelona on bad terms.

Lionel Messi

The day we thought we would never see has finally happened, Lionel Messi has left Barcelona to join another European club. Sadly, his problems with the previous board over the last few years proved costly and, even though Joan Laporta seemed to be on better terms with him, things weren’t turned around. Only a year ago, the soccer world was in shock as Messi wanted out amid a terrible relationship with Josep María Bartomeu.

Ayear left on his contract prevented him from leaving for free, but that situation had a big impact. He didn’t sign a new dealand, once a free agent, La Liga‘s regulations forbid Barca from affording his new contract. He left better than he would have done it in 2020, but the way in which he left is still sour after everything he had lived in Barcelona.

Luis Suárez

Messi’s desire to leave in 2020 didn’t come out of the blue. He wasn’t the only one to experience a bad moment at the club, if not ask Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan striker has scored 195 goals in six years at Barcelona and he could have left as the superstar he was.

Instead, a phone call was all he got. Ronald Koeman didn’t seem to have him on his plans but the situation could have been handled differently. Suárez didn’t take long to prove Barca were wrong on this one and went on to win La Liga 2020/21 with Atletico Madrid. Later, he reflected on his exit and stated that Koeman “didn’t have much personality.”

Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o‘s stint with Barcelona was one to remember, but things haven’t ended well. The Cameroonian star had an impactful first season in 2008/09when Pep Guardiola‘s boys won the treble in great fashion.

He had even scored the opening goal in the Champions League final, but Guardiola wouldn’t count on him for next season. Eto’o has even stated he loved Pep as a coach, but not as a person, and had a fantastic season with Inter Milan in 2009/10.

Rivaldo

The Brazilian megastar left Barcelonaafter five years in 2002 when Louis van Gaal returned to Camp Nou. Rivaldo had previously played under the Dutchman from 1997 to 2000, but their relationship was never great.

The Ballon d’Or winner had even said that he left because of van Gaal:“I don’t like him and I’m sure he doesn’t like me either.”Rivaldo was still in his prime after winning the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and joined AC Milan.

Luis Figo

When we talk about players who left Barcelona on bad terms, Luis Figo will probably be atop the list. The Portuguese star was an idol but the love was over when he joined lifelong rivals Real Madrid right away.

Amid back-and-forth with the Cules’board, Figo signed for the Merengues in 2000 and was part of the Galacticos era. From then on, there was no turning back and the Blaugranashave never forgiven him.

Ronaldinho

One of the most beloved players in world soccer, the Brazilian sensation was a complete standout during his time with Barcelona. Ronaldinho arrived at Camp Nou in 2003 and helped the club tasting continental glory three years later.

However, things have taken a differentdirection by 2008, when his relationship with the board was broken and his future at Barca seemed over. Ronaldinho then joined AC Milan, but a few years later he confessed that Pep Guardiola asked him to stay.

Hristo Stoichkov

Another player who left the club on bad terms with Louis van Gaal, Hristo Stoichkov played for Barcelona from 1990 to 1998 – although he spent a year on loan at Parma in 1995/96, during Johan Cruyff‘s era at Barca’s helm.

The Bulgarian star decided to end his contract with the Cules in 1998, blaming Louis van Gaal for not playing for more than a year. He didn’t leave on good terms with Josep Luis Nuñez, Barca’s president at that time, either.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo‘s departure from Barcelona was quite shocking. He made agreat impressionin his first season at Camp Nou, scoring an amazing 47 goals in 49 games in 1996/97, when he was only 20 years old.

They failed to get hold of him, though, as Inter Milan paid his buyout clause. Only five years later, Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid and joined the famous Galacticos in a huge blow for the Cules.

Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup was part of the so-called ‘Dream Team‘ under Johan Cruyff’s guidance. His best days were at Barcelona, where he landed in 1989 as the Dutchman was keen on signing him. He went on to win four leagues and the club’s first European Cup, but things didn’t end well.

While his relationship with Cruyff and the boardwasn’t good anymore, Romario‘s arrival in 1993 didn’t help either, as Barca neededto offload one of their foreign players.In 1994, Laudrup joined Real Madrid in another shocking move for the Catalans.

Romario

Romario had a great but short stint at Camp Nou. He signed for Barcelona in 1993, scoring an impressive 32 goals in 47 games in his first season, but didn’t last much longer as he and Johan Cruyff didn’t getalong anymore.

In January 1995, after winning the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, Romario returned home to join Flamengo. Cruyff mentioned that he couldn’t care less if he was unhappy and wanted to leave.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan signed for Barcelona in 2009 due to Pep Guardiola’s eagerness to land him while Samuel Eto’o was packing his bags. By the end of the season, however, Ibrahimovic was no longer a priority for Pep.

The Swedish star was replaced in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Inter when Barca were trailing, and that series seemed to end hisgood relationship with the Spanish manager. Zlatan never returned to the starting XI after Barcelona’s elimination and joined Milan in 2010.

Bernd Schuster

Bernd Schuster spent eight years in Barcelona before signing for Real Madrid in 1988. That was just one of the many controversial episodes in his career. Schuster had been in the eye of the storm for abandoning the 1986 European Cup final on a taxi after being replaced.

Despite being one of the Cules best players at the time, he left the club on such bad terms that he didn’t mind joining the rivals. In an interview with El Pais, however, he stated that he wasn’t looking for revenge, that he was even grateful for his eight seasons with Barca.

Diego Maradona

Barcelona were the first European club to sign the Argentine legend after the 1982 World Cup. Diego Maradona proved his talent with the Blaugrana and won three titles, but his two seasons were hit by injuries and illness.

In1982/83 Diego was ruled out for about four months with hepatitis. The following season didn’t begin well for him either, as he was sidelined for another three months after Andoni Goikoetxea‘s ugly challenge. His tenure at Barcelona ended with the infamous ‘Battle of Bernabeu‘, the brawl in the1983 Copa del Rey finalbetween the Cules and Athletic Bilbao.