The Result of Super Soccer Skills: Romario Scores Over 1000 Goals

Romário de Souza Faria was born January 29, 1966 in Jacarezinho, Brazil. The former striker is currently running for a mayor like position in his hometown. He had a big part in Brazil winning the World Cup in 1994 and was one of the most prolific strikers in the world. That year, he was selected the FIFA World Player of the Year and won the World Cup Golden Ball and chosen as forward on FIFA Dream Team.

Romário scored his 1000th goal on May 20, 2007. This was a penalty kick against Sport Recife while playing for Vasco da Gama. This was the fourth time he was contracted by the club that gave him his first professional contract. The interest from Europe grew after his performance in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South-Korea. Brazil won the silver medal. He played for the Brazilian squad from 1987 to 2005.

Here is an overview of the clubs Romario played for:

1985-1988 Vasco da Gama

1988-1993 PSV

1993-1995 Barcelona

1995-1996 Flamengo

1996 Valencia

1996-1997 Flamengo

1997 Valencia

1998-1999 Flamengo

2000-2002 Vasco da Gama

2002-2003 Fluminense

2003 Al-Sadd

2003-2004 Fluminense

2005-2006 Vasco da Gama

2006 Miami FC

2006 Adelaide United

2007 Vasco da Gama

2009 America

His 1000th goal drew much attention from Brazilian and international press. They actually stopped the game for over 20 minutes. This was to allow Romario to celebrate with his fans. There is some controversy over the validity of the 1000 goals, however. Its claim is somewhat inaccurate, because the research team appointed with this task also counted his goals in junior, friendly and non-official games. The World Football Federation FIFA congratulated him on his milestone goal but stated he is still officially on 929 goals. 77 of the goals counted by the research team were scored while he played youth football, with others being scored in friendlies.

The Brazilian press claims him as one of few players in professional football history to score at least 1000 goals, just like the great Pelé and Puskás. He did not only get recognition from the press, but also from great (former) soccer players. Johan Cruyff defined him as "genius of the goal area". In his autobiography Diego Maradona described Romário as an "incredible finisher" adding that he had not seen a striker like him, and that Romário would be in his all-time "dream team" without any hesitation. Roberto Baggio said: "Romário is one of the greatest players of all time. He has good technique and personality. He is a master of art in the penalty area." Michael Laudrup stated Romario was his favorite striking partner throughout his career. "No one else could utilize my passes the way he did."

To read more about players, teams, leagues and tournaments, visit this soccer blog.
This blog is filled with articles, videos, and programs to develop and improve your own soccer skills and knowledge.
Get informed about upcoming matches in the topleagues and see wonderful goals the most skillful soccerplayers produce.
Whether you are just developing interest in the game or have been a longtime fan, this is your blog!