After their failure at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, things have continued to go downhill for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brazil">Brazil</a> national team. They’ve struggled to perform in the 2024 Copa America and are also having a hard time in the South American World Cup qualifiers. In this context, a Brazilian legend had harsh words for the team’s biggest stars.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/romario">Romario</a>, 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">FIFA World Cup</a> 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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250501_BUS_388941_GettyImages-1204642-1-1024x576_834aa46f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Romario won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994" class="wp-image-325189" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205042/GettyImages-1204642-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Romario won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994</figcaption></figure>



“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.”


 

 

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<h2>Romario breaks down Brazil’s loss to Argentina</h2>



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.


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miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar">Neymar Jr</a>. and Romario are two of the most iconic figures in Brazilian soccer, embodying the essence of Jogo Bonito. Neymar, in particular, has been making headlines following his unexpected return to Santos, the club where his career began. Amid the renewed spotlight on Brazilian legends, Ronaldo Nazario recently shared his thoughts on both stars.



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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250221_BUS_341272_GettyImages-1267771-1-1024x576_b08428b3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Ronaldo of Brazil on the ball during the World Cup group A game against Morocco" class="wp-image-341275" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/20212124/GettyImages-1267771-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ronaldo of Brazil on the ball during the World Cup group A game against Morocco</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo vs. Neymar vs. Romário: three legends, one legacy</h2>



Brazil has produced some of the greatest forwards in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> 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.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ronaldo-nazario">Ronaldo Nazário</a>, 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.



<h2>Does Neymar belong in the same category as Ronaldo and Romario?</h2>



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.


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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, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/romario">Romario</a> 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?

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Brazilian legend makes huge statement, claiming he was better than Neymar and Romario - Bolavip US

Brazilian soccer legend and former FC Barcelona star Romario is marking three decades since winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1994. In a candid social media Q&amp;A session, the iconic striker compared himself to other winners, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ronaldinho">Ronaldinho</a>, and Lionel Messi. Despite acknowledging Messi’s greatness, Romário did not shy away from asserting his dominance over many other football legends.



During the session shared by ge.globo on Instagram, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/romario">Romario</a> 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.



<h2>Romário’s legacy: A soccer Icon</h2>



Romario remains one of the greatest legends in Brazilian <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> 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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250131_BUS_325185_GettyImages-1568131-1-1024x576_59fc1779.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="25 Apr 2001: Romario of Brasil celebrates after scoring a goal during the Brasil v Peru " class="wp-image-325192" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30205355/GettyImages-1568131-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>25 Apr 2001: Romario of Brasil celebrates after scoring a goal during the Brasil v Peru </figcaption></figure>



At the club level, Romario shined for top teams like PSV Eindhoven, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fc-barcelona">FC Barcelona</a>, 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.


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<h2>How does Romário compare to modern legends?</h2>



Comparing Romario to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> 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.

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Brazilian legend Romario admits to being better than many Ballon d'Or winners, including Cristiano Ronaldo—but what about Messi? - Bolavip US

There is no doubt that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/how-psg-plan-to-team-up-liverpool-forward-with-lionel-messi-and-neymar-20220519-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neymar</a>is one of the best players in soccer history. The Brazilian has a unique ability to play soccer, his ability to elude opponents and always perform skills make the public admire him.
However, over the last few years, the best version of Neymar was seen in the Brazil national team and not at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/neither-manchester-city-nor-psg-the-top-5-most-valuable-soccer-clubs-in-the-world-20220518-0027.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PSG</a>. 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ligue-1-winners-list-by-year-of-all-time-champions-of-the-french-league-20220420-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ligue 1</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/manchester-united-bid-for-napoli-striker-in-attempt-to-grant-ronaldos-demand-20220519-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-xavi-writes-out-4-players-ahead-of-next-season-20220521-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a>, 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/why-cristiano-ronaldo-isnt-playing-for-manchester-united-against-crystal-palace-20220522-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester United</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/chelsea-why-antonio-rudiger-opted-not-to-renew-and-join-real-madrid-20220521-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real Madrid</a>, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/why-paul-pogba-rejected-manchester-city-move-20220521-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juventus</a>. However, regardless of the great number of goals Neymar scored for the Parisian team, PSG officials have decided that he should leave the club.
<h2>PSG officials wantNeymar to leave the club</h2>
The renewal of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-way-mbappe-rejected-real-madrid-to-stay-at-psg-20220521-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kylian Mbappe</a>has already begun to have an impact on PSG. Following the dismissal of Leonardo, who has yet to be officially announced, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fff-president-reveals-mauricio-pochettino-s-succesor-at-psg-20220508-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mauricio Pochettino</a> 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.

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