Author: Soorya G
Romário wanted his former teammate to support the progressive candidate Lula da Silva.
In an unfortunate turn of events, former Brazilian soccer players Romário and Bebeto, who turned to politics after retiring, are involved in a big fight. The winners of the World Cup fell out after having conflicting opinions on the election of Jair Bolsonaro, who emerged victorious in the last elections.
Romário, who is a senator from Rio de Janeiro, was furious after former teammate Bebeto decided to support Bolsonaro instead of the progressive candidate Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, whom he had chosen. Romário opposed Bolsonaro, who belongs to the extreme right in terms of his political position. Heated words were exchanged between the two former footballers, with allegations of betrayal and selfishness between them.
“Traitor. He betrayed me in politics. There are things in life that I carry with me forever, inside and outside politics. I see it every day, but when it happens to a guy you’ve lived with and have a friendly relationship with, it’s sad.” Romário spoke about Bebeto during an appearance on a local podcast.
Bebeto, who also served as a regional deputy for the Brazilian capital, Rio de Janeiro, for three terms, didn’t agree with Romário’s allegations and responded furiously with some comments of his own, calling Romário “senile” due to his advanced age.
“Who is he to call me a traitor? Romário is getting old and I think he’s getting marked, saying a lot of nonsense. I’ve had a full career in soccer and politics, I’ve never been involved in controversy. I can’t say the same for him, he’s selfish, he’s always thought of himself. I haven’t betrayed anyone. Politics is done as a group and Romário has always thought only of himself.” Bebeto replied.
The allegations seemed to invade the soccer pitch too, as Romário claimed that he won the 1994 World Cup single-handedly, while Bebeto claimed that the former was a narcissist who only thought of himself. He explained that, just as in soccer, success in politics can only be achieved through a team effort, and that Romário is incapable of working in a group.