In short
Romário discusses Brazil’s World Cup hopes, why Brazil may lack a true “number 9,” and reflects on his 1994 triumph—especially iconic goals, celebrations, and penalty pressure—plus comparisons to modern football and England.
Guests
Romário (Brazilian striker; 1994 World Cup winner, player of the tournament; known for toe-poke finishes; later best-known for partnerships like Bebeto and Ronaldo). Wayne Rooney (host; former England captain and Manchester United top scorer).
Key claims
Brazil hasn’t had a decisive center-forward since Ronaldo; modern football’s structure/tactics and emphasis on physicality squeezes joy and skill; Brazil aren’t favorites—Argentina, France, Portugal (and Spain mentioned) look ahead; Neymar is Brazil’s best chance but may be limited by fitness.
Notable examples
1994 Sweden group-stage toe poke; 1994 final penalty shootout pressure; unplanned “baby rocking” celebration with Bebeto; 1990 injury limiting him to 45 minutes and a painful Argentina round-of-16 exit; 1998 missed due to injury; 2006 regret for going not fully fit.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOInsights on Brazil's Missing Center Forward
1:12 to 3:19
Discussion on Brazil's team dynamics and the need for a center forward.
“Vinicius Junior obviously is probably the main one.”
Romário Reflects on World Cup Pressure
3:19 to 4:28
Romário shares his experiences and pressures of taking a penalty in the World Cup final.
“Just before you came into the room, Romario Wayne was telling us about his memories of the tournament.”
Memorable Goals and Techniques in Football
4:28 to 6:39
Romário discusses his iconic goal against Sweden and the techniques behind it.
“But that type of goal is a typical goal for my career because that's something I trained a lot.”
Celebrating World Cup Victory
6:39 to 8:39
Romário shares insights on the celebrations following Brazil's 1994 World Cup win.
“Yeah, I practiced all the time, but there's no substitute for that walk.”
Romário's Iconic Celebrations
8:39 to 11:11
Discussion about the origins and planning of iconic goal celebrations in football.
“but Wayne wants to cut straight to the chase Let's ask about the party, how did you celebrate?”
The Pain of Early World Cup Exits
11:11 to 14:00
Romário and Wayne discuss their experiences of early World Cup exits and the regrets that come with it.
“And 80 % of their group knew they had a last opportunity, a final opportunity to win the World Cup.”
Reflections on World Cup Experiences
14:00 to 16:48
Explore the emotional highs and lows of World Cup participation.
“So I know the feeling of going to a World Cup and not being fully fit and not being able to impact the World Cup the way you want to.”
Nostalgia for Brazilian Football
16:49 to 17:39
Discuss the iconic players and the joy they brought to fans.
“So I'm really proud to have had the opportunity to play alongside him.”
The 1998 World Cup and Partnerships
18:16 to 21:40
Reflect on the partnership with Ronaldo and missing the World Cup.
“yeah well you think of Brazil like I'm thinking back when I was growing up and you think of of Brazil of Romario Ronaldo Ronaldinho Roberto Carlos the flair play, was that advert wasn't it was that 98?”
Brazil's Current Challenges and Prospects
21:41 to 24:48
Analyze Brazil's current football challenges and potential.
“because as players, that's all you dream of, isn't it?”
Show all 16 chapters
The Evolution of Football and Skill
24:49 to 28:01
Discuss the changes in football and the impact on Brazilian players.
“It's almost like we're playing at home in the United States.”
Brazil's National Team Struggles
28:01 to 28:49
Discussing the challenges faced by Brazil's national team in performing at international levels despite individual talents.
“That's really taken the joy out of the game, the game that we love.”
The Strength of the Current England Team
28:50 to 29:53
Evaluating the strengths and potential of the current England national football team ahead of the World Cup.
“because, I mean, we're envious, aren't we, Wayne?”
Romário's Admiration for Wayne Rooney
29:54 to 31:29
Romário shares his thoughts on Wayne Rooney's playing style and reflects on what it would have been like to play together.
“and ask you, not ask you, what you made of Wayne as a player and I imagine you'd have probably quite liked to have played with him at some point.”
Neymar's Impact on Brazil's World Cup Chances
31:30 to 33:16
Discussing Neymar's role in the Brazilian squad and his importance for their success in upcoming tournaments.
“A lot of people listening to this, I think, when they think of you, will think of the famous 4-0 at the Nou Camp.”
Romário's World Cup Experience and Predictions
33:17 to 35:22
Romário talks about his upcoming role at the World Cup and shares his thoughts on Brazil's chances of winning.
“Yeah, I think he's been injured quite a bit, hasn't he?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
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1:12Vinicius Junior obviously is probably the main one. Missing that center forward for me, they're missing that player who's going to take the game and go and win them the tournament. I think that's just the one position where they're missing. The pressure of taking a penalty in a World Cup final is huge. And I can tell you, walking from the halfway line to the goal, that was one of the most difficult moments for me for that World Cup. And then we'd done one, it was Guy Ritchie who was directing it. What happened in the other end, Ribéry was running with the ball and I had to run back and tackle him.
1:41But then when we run back, we were meant to put the stunt doubles in. I wanted it to finish, so I just smashed him, smashed Ribéry. And that was obviously the shot he used. So they got the shot and that's all. Well, we're very pleased that today we've actually got the opportunity to welcome Romário to the Wayne Rooney Show. Firstly, thank you so much for being here with us today. World Cup just around the corner. Is it bringing back lots of memories of 1994? First of all, thank you for the invitation. It's a pleasure to be here on this show. And whenever it is close to a World Cup, my memories are very positive.
2:22especially in relation to 1994 when Brazil won their fourth World Cup. Of course, it was the first time since 1970 Brazil, renowned for winning things, was there pressure going into that tournament? To tell you the truth, Brazil hadn't won the World Cup for 24 years. So it was natural that there was pressure coming into that World Cup. And our team was aware of that. We knew it was the last chance for that generation of players to be world champions.
3:01So when we gathered in Brazil before the tournament, we decided that everyone had to give a little more. The result of that decision is that we worked a bit harder and the team were successful and we won that World Cup.
3:22Just before you came into the room, Romario Wayne was telling us about his memories of the tournament. Just talk us through that goal because you, and I'd be interested as to Romario's memories of it as well, because it was against Sweden and you really enjoyed it. Yeah, I think your goal against Sweden in the group stage is still, I think, one of the best goals, the most iconic goals in World Cup history. and as a centre-forward and a striker myself who played that position, I know just how difficult that is and how the technique is not something you see every day or you see many centre-forwards doing.
3:59So what was going through your mind when you, what made you finish the goal that way with a topo? Any goal at any time is really important to me. Scoring in any different way. But when it comes to a World Cup, that's even more important.
4:19Because you know that that goal is much more important because it's a goal where you're sure that you're bringing some kind of joy to your people, in this case, to the Brazilian people.
4:32But that type of goal is a typical goal for my career because that's something I trained a lot. We call it in Brazil, we call it a toe poke. and it's not a goal you see very often. I've scored a few of those goals in my career and it was a really important goal to help Brazil qualify for the next stage of the World Cup in 1994. You've scored a few toe pokes, haven't you? Not like that. No, I can see that he scored one recently, didn't he? Which was similar. I know how difficult that technique is to score that goal. But also, just another question was the pressure of taking a penalty in the final.
5:15I've took penalties in the FA Cup final, in European quarterfinals, but to do it in a final, that pressure must be so high. The pressure of taking a penalty in a World Cup final is huge. For me at that time, I had only taken one or two penalties in my life.
5:43I wasn't even one of the first designated five penalty takers for the penalty shootouts against Italy. I hadn't trained penalties at all during that World Cup. However, I took the decision to take one. My belief at the time was this was the moment where the biggest players had to take the responsibility. And I was a big name for Brazil. So I had to take that penalty for the team. And I can tell you, walking from the halfway line to the goal, facing the goalkeeper, taking the ball and putting it on the spot, that was one of the most difficult moments for me for the World Cup. But it all ended well.
6:28We scored a penalty and we won the tournament.
6:34That whole scenario sounds like something that if you'd have got to the final, you would have thrived you were the main man for England for Manchester United as well yeah I used to take penalties but I know I'm nervous that is and you do think in a selfish point of view as well if you miss and you're the one who misses and you lose for me it was a FA Cup but you lose that Cup because you missed that penalty it's so difficult to explain that feeling in your head and to do it in the World Cup then it's I can't imagine Does that also fascinate you that you said he hadn't really been practicing them?
7:10Yeah, I practiced all the time, but there's no substitute for that walk. And when you're walking, we used to practice with Van Gaal. Walking from the halfway line and training, putting the ball down on the spot and taking your penalty. You used to practice that, but you can't put the fans in. There's no way you can practice to be in that moment. And so, fair play guys. That would have been very difficult, I think. It's a tremendous responsibility taking a penalty in any circumstances. So imagine taking a penalty in a World Cup final. And a final between two major traditional national teams like Italy and Brazil.
7:53And Brazil was coming to that final not having won the World Cup for 24 years. There was this sort of belief going to the World Cup final amongst the Brazilian players, the coaching staff as well. There was this belief that we were going to win. So yes, it was a huge responsibility and there were nerves. But there was also this sense that he was meant to be.
8:18I've played with some Brazilian players and I know they like to party as well, but I'm just imagining what it was like going back to Brazil. Of course you're asking about the party. As World Cup winner, going back to Brazil, it must have been crazy. just thinking now and that must have been so much fun We've got so many more questions on the tournament but Wayne wants to cut straight to the chase Let's ask about the party, how did you celebrate? It's better we leave that and we don't talk about that Oh, go on, tell us a little bit give us a little bit of insight, go on Brazilians in general really like to party and football players are no different I think I am the person who loves partying the most And I can tell you about the days after the World Cup.
9:09We celebrated a lot. And there were many nights with many people, and I had a lot of fun.
9:18That's the most we're going to get, isn't it? He's not going to tell us any more than that. Would you sit here and tell us about your celebrations, your parties? I can't remember them. Maybe that's a similar problem as well. I wanted to ask you about the iconic... Sorry, I'm going to go back to football. I'm the boring one on this show today. The iconic baby rocking celebration, because where did that come from? How far in advance was it planned? Because it looked like a lot of fun and maybe showed the relationship that the pair of you had. Bebeto was my best striking partner ever and that celebration wasn't planned.
9:54We hadn't rehearsed it at all. I can't remember correctly. Either Bebeto has just had a child or his partner was pregnant.
10:07Well, he scores the goal, he runs over to the side of the pitch and starts the rocking motion. Mazzinho joins him, and I come and join in as well, and he creates that really iconic celebration. However, we hadn't pre-planned anything at all. You had a fair few of iconic celebrations as well, didn't you? Not really, no. Again, I've never planned any celebrations. The one I had was the punch one, which kids still do now. It tends to do it when you play against my kids as they score. But yeah, no, I've never really planned a celebration. You ended the tournament as player of the tournament. Just give us an insight into how you felt during that whole World Cup.
10:51Did you feel like you were really at your peak? You spoke of the players getting together and knowing this was your moment. But did you feel individually like this was your moment to kind of carry your team?
11:0380 % of their World Cup squad in 1994 had played in the 1990 World Cup, which we lost.
11:13We weren't successful. Losing is always a bad thing. It's never good. And 80 % of their group knew they had a last opportunity, a final opportunity to win the World Cup. and how important it was for us to be champions.
11:36So all the players, the most experienced players, they believed that they were destined to win the 1994 World Cup.
11:51We knew how difficult it would be.
11:57But we also believed we would be champions. And that was the case. It clearly gave you the belief to go on and do what you did in 1994, but what are your memories of 1990?
12:15Italia 1990 was a real negative for me because when I went, I wasn't 100 % medically or physically.
12:27I'd suffered an injury four months before the World Cup, and I hadn't fully recovered from it.
12:36I only played 45 minutes in one game in that World Cup.
12:45That was our one-new win against Scotland.
12:52I didn't have any further chances to play in that tournament.
12:59My saddest memory of their World Cup is a loss to Argentina in the round of 16 that knocked Brazil out.
13:09There was a real sad moment for that generation of players because I've seen they had in them.
13:17Because I've seen they had the potential to go so much further, so their loss really affected us.
13:26And it's an important part of the history of the team, and particularly for me, because I had a World Cup on my CV, but I only played 45 minutes.
13:38I had a very similar experience in 2006 where I broke my foot before the tournament. And looking back, I shouldn't have went. And I could say that looking back, but that was my first World Cup and I wanted to be there so much and obviously it ended badly with me getting a red card. So I know the feeling of going to a World Cup and not being fully fit and not being able to impact the World Cup the way you want to. But obviously you managed to turn it around and go and win it. Unfortunately I didn't do that but yeah, I have regrets. I shouldn't have went. Do you think you really should have gone?
14:18went in 2006, but it was my first World Cup, so I wanted to be there. Inside, I felt I could impact it, but looking back, it was the wrong decision. An important thing that I didn't mention before, not only we were knocked out of the 1990 World Cup, we were also knocked out by Argentina. They are our huge historical rivals, so it's not only the pain of being knocked out of the World Cup, it's the pain of being knocked out by Argentina. I'm not sure you're going to want to pay him too many compliments because he's Argentinian, but let's try. Maradona, is he one of the greatest you've ever seen?
15:00I never saw Pelé play. But of all the players I've seen, Maradona was definitely the best. Wayne? Yeah. For me, there's different generations, isn't there? but Pele and Maradona were the two iconic players and suppose it's probably like now where people say either Cristiano or Messi it was probably the same back then where people will have different opinions on Pele and Maradona for me Maradona was the was the best My reply was the best player I'd ever seen but without a doubt the best player of all time is Pele I love how players get So they want it to be clear, exactly what they mean. But you're right, it's very generational, isn't it?
15:47And that was an incredibly special goal. Let's move on to 1998 then, because you'd got an incredible partnership with Ronaldo in 1997 going into that one. So let's start with, I guess, in fact, let's talk about the partnership that you had with R9, because again, another icon of the game. I believe that if I had the opportunity to go to the 1998 World Cup, I would have been able to help the team and to play with Ronaldo, R9.
Read the full transcript
16:17It was an absolutely fantastic opportunity.
16:23I said before that Bebeto is the best strike partner I've ever had. However, the best player I've ever played alongside was Ronaldo.
16:36He is one of the best players in football history. So it was a real privilege to have the opportunity to play alongside him.
16:47If you were to create an all-time best team and an all-time best national team, Ronaldo would be doing both.
16:58So I'm really proud to have had the opportunity to play alongside him. Sadly, I could never play alongside him in a World Cup.
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18:14he must be one of those players that you would have loved to have played with yeah well you think of Brazil like I'm thinking back when I was growing up and you think of of Brazil of Romario Ronaldo Ronaldinho Roberto Carlos the flair play, was that advert wasn't it was that 98? the TV advert when you see the TV advert and you look back at that Brazil to Brazil now is a little bit different, I think. But that's what made you want to be Brazilian. I remember thinking I wish someone in my family was Brazilian so I could go play for Brazil. But that was, for me, that was just pure joy. When you think of football and happiness, whether you win or lose or whatever, watching that was just pure happiness.
19:01Oh, that advert, it was really iconic, really historical. We covered two generations, hours from one generation, and then we had the generation coming through.
19:14Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Rivaldo. Brazilian football was different than to what it is now.
19:23I believe those previous generations were much better technically, were much more skillful.
19:31Football was so much more attractive and just so much better to watch. I'd love to know a bit more about, can you imagine watching that advert being made? I mean, I know you've been part of a few adverts, but imagine all of these icons getting together from two generations. I just want to know how much fun it was. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure how the whole TV commercial came about.
19:58I think I remember the director was John Woo, a really famous cinema guy. And he sort of took us by surprise. We weren't expecting it. It was really different.
20:12I had never done anything like that before. And as players, we really enjoyed it. We made the most of it. We had a lot of fun.
20:25Each player was allowed to show off some kind of skills To display their ideal skill set in the advert
20:35Do you want to talk about your adverts? You've seasoned it there, don't you? We've done quite a few at Nike And then we've done one It was Guy Ritchie who was directing it And there's a couple of things from it really I remember him telling me how to kick the ball at one stage and I was thinking, listen, I'm not going to tell you how to direct. But then we were filming for a few days actually, so it was a long shoot and it was me and Frank Ribéry. And what happened in the other, Ribéry was running with the ball and I had to run back and tackle him. But then when we run back, they were meant to put the stunt doubles in to do the tackle.
21:15And I think I was just **** off at the time. and I wanted it to finish, so I've just smashed them. I smashed Vibri. And that was obviously the shot they used. So they got the shot there and then, so they finished it. But no, they were always great fun to be part of.
21:32Before we talk about the current Brazil squad, I kind of glossed over the fact that must have been so tough for you missing 1998. And I imagine you must really kind of sympathise with that as well because as players, that's all you dream of, isn't it? and to go from the high of 1994 to then missing out four years later? Yeah, I think to miss any tournament is difficult, but some things I suppose are meant to be. And if Romario's last memory of the World Cup is picking it up and getting to play the tournament, then it's not a bad one to finish it with. You'd have taken that one, yeah. I think I have been able to realise a dream for any football player across the world.
22:15going to a World Cup, becoming a World Cup champion. And I think the positive is not only I was a World Cup champion, I was also the best in the world at the time. So that's something that's going to stay with me. He will really stand out. He will always be with me.
22:33So I think the players, when they start playing, they have these dreams, and the dream is to go to the World Cup, to live the World Cup.
22:43I had two opportunities to do this. I had in 1990, when it didn't work out, and then again in 1994, when it did happen.
22:57That's going to be with me for the rest of my life.
23:04That's really important, not just for me, but for the whole generation of Brazilian players. it's really important for Brazilians and Brazil because we'd gone 24 years without winning a trophy.
23:21Bringing it on to this summer then, how confident are you for Brazil's chances? Because Wayne's told us a few times, you think the South American teams will do well, don't you? Yeah, I think obviously being in the States, I think it'll make it difficult for the teams in Europe to win, I think. and I think Brazil, they finish fifth in the qualifying, I think. So I think they haven't had the best of qualifying campaigns, but when it comes to World Cup, they normally come good. But I don't think this is the best Brazilian team we're going to see, but I think the fact that it is in the States might help this Brazilian team.
23:57Look, Brazil is really difficult. Brazil are going through a difficult time at the moment. They are yet to find their best style of play. Ancelotti's arrival was really important because he's someone with a lot of experience and a lot of experience of winning.
24:18So he's trying to pass on this experience to the players.
24:25I don't see Brazil as favorites at the moment. I look more at Argentina, France, Portugal. I don't see the Brazilian national team. I see those teams ahead of Brazil in terms of winning the World Cup. But I think Wayne is right. It's almost like we're playing at home in the United States.
24:58And the thing about the Brazil shirt is that it carries so much weight. Other teams' opponents respect Brazil so much.
25:11So I think if Brazil do very well in the group phase, if they put on a good performance, then we can start thinking that their confidence will build and Brazil are potential World Cup champions. But it will be difficult. I mean, if you look at some of the players still, they're incredible, aren't they? And we've got some pretty impressive Brazilians in the Premier League at the moment. You look at the former, I mean, you've seen Matheus Cunha at Manchester United, Joao Pedro's in what looks like the form of his life. It's different when you think of Brazilian iconic players. Yeah, I'm not saying it's comparable, I'm just saying.
25:46When you've gone into World Cup, you've always looked at Romario or Ronaldo or Ronaldinho or Kaka. Now, Vinicius Junior obviously is probably the main one now, but they're missing that centre-forward for me. They're missing that player who's going to take the game and go and win them the tournament. I think that's just the one position where they miss him. I fully agree with Wayne. Brazil hasn't had that striker of this quality since Ronaldo.
26:18Obviously, he's very difficult to replace. We have good players, but none of Ronaldo are in quality.
26:27But within the Brazil team, we have players with experience. We got Vini Jr., we got Rafinha, we got other good players playing here in the Premier League, playing in Spain and playing domestically in Brazil as well.
26:44What Brazil are really lacking at the moment is that number nine,
26:51a real goal scorer who could be decisive and really make the difference in a tournament.
27:00Why do you think that is? Why? Because Brazil have got such a history of kind of producing them. What's changed? Are they still producing? Go on. I just think the game has changed a lot. The game now is more, you know, structured and positional where when you see the best players through the history of the game, it's because they're playing with a freedom and an enjoyment where now it's a bit more structured and tactical. And that's where, I've said this before, the joy is getting squeezed out of football at the minute. and hopefully it returns to what we've seen in the past. I get the feeling you might agree with that.
27:39Again, I totally agree with Wayne about the way football is being played these days.
27:48I believe the coaches nowadays, they put more importance on the physicality, the strength of the player, and they overlook the skill side.
28:01That's really taken the joy out of the game, the game that we love. You know, when you've got skills, dribbling, and specifically to Brazil, we've got big-name players who at their clubs are the main man, usually the best, a standout player.
28:26Sadly, they are not able to recreate that form for the national team. That has really held us back as a national team.
28:37Sounds familiar, England of the past, maybe. Yeah, we had some great players when we played here in Boca and bring it together to win in tournament, so, yeah. Don't worry, we don't have to talk about that. We can move on. We can move on. I'd love to know what you think of the current England team because, I mean, we're envious, aren't we, Wayne? Sitting here talking about the success that Brazil have had on the national stage. We're obviously craving the success that you guys brought to Brazil. What do you make of the current crop of England players?
29:07I think the England national team is very strong and they have some very good and technical players. There's Bellingham. They have the leading scorer in world football in Harry Kane. So I definitely think England will be strong in this World Cup.
29:25I think they will surprise people because they are going to be very difficult opponents.
29:36The players are very competitive at club level. They are also very competitive at the national level as well.
29:46I hope that we see a very strong England in this World Cup.
29:53Talking of strong England, I can't sit here in the company of Wayne and yourself and ask you, not ask you, what you made of Wayne as a player and I imagine you'd have probably quite liked to have played with him at some point. I would have loved to play with Wayne. it would have been an absolute honour to play alongside him while up until recently he was a top scorer for England he's also a Manchester United top scorer and I'm sure I've scored 1002 goals in my career if I had played alongside Wayne I would have scored even more
30:29would have been a good strike force would have been a dream Brazil has always been the team growing up I said before it brought me so much joy watching and then I got the nickname I think it was at Everton first actually the White Pele it was sort of rich What compliment Yeah it was such a good compliment but yeah Brazil has always been the team maybe not so much now but growing up I used to love watching As a football fan it would have been brilliant to have seen you in England in the Premier League as well was a move over here ever close? Was it ever on the cards?
31:09When I played for PSV, I moved to Europe in 1998, and around 1991, there was interest from an English club. I can't remember which one it was, but it didn't actually happen.
31:28I think I would have really enjoyed playing in England for a couple of seasons.
31:36in some of the seasons. A lot of people listening to this, I think, when they think of you, will think of the famous 4-0 at the Nou Camp. Maybe the Manchester United fans, now we've got a lot of them that are listening to this, won't be grateful that I've brought this up. So maybe let's get your thoughts on it. It was a bit before your time, of course, Wayne. If I was a Manchester fan, I also wouldn't appreciate that game being brought up.
32:04In my opinion, that Barcelona team was one of the two best Barcelona teams ever.
32:14That team was so prepared and had so much experience. Every player, even the substitutes, were internationals. And that game, I think, was a standout game in the history of Barcelona.
32:29But also a standout game in my football career.
32:37What about Neymar as well? Does he still have a role? Could he still play a role for Brazil?
32:46Neymar is the best Brazilian player of the last few decades.
32:54At this very moment, he's had fitness and physical difficulties, and he hasn't been able to get himself a run at games. In my opinion, Brazil are only likely to win the World Cup with Neymar, even with his problems.
33:11Without Neymar, I can't see Brazil being viable contenders to win the World Cup. I believe that Brazil is really far from a possibility of being a champion. Do you think why? Yeah, I think he's been injured quite a bit, hasn't he? So I think Romain was exactly right in what he's saying. It's difficult to get back to a level when you've been injured. So if Neymar is fully fit, then of course he's one of the best players. And everyone would like to see him at the World Cup, but I think it will be difficult. I'm sure he won't be 100 % for the World Cup, but I think that even if he's 70 % he'll be able to help.
33:53Finally then, how are you going to be enjoying the World Cup? Are you going to be out there? Wayne's going to be covering it from back here and then going out, aren't you? Literally here. You'll see where Wayne's going to see the World Cup but how are you going to enjoy it? I've got a YouTube channel, Romero TV and I have a program called Face to Face with the Man.
34:16And Wayne is going to be a guest of ours as well. So in terms of the World Cup, I'll be there with Romario TV in the United States.
34:28Maybe in Mexico and Canada as well. And that'll be my first time in a World Cup, not playing, but working as a reporter instead. How will that be? That's a difficult question. I hope I can enjoy it and really get behind the Brazil team for them to win. although I think it's almost impossible for them to do so.
35:02In Brazil, it's really important that the World Cup is going to be in the United States again, exactly 24 years after a previous World Cup victory.
35:17It's a really important coincidence, so I hope it can go really positive. And we get the results so Brazil can be six-time World Cup winners.
35:31Yeah, but you've told us that you don't actually think Brazil are going to win it, so I want to know who you think is going to win it, actually. What I meant is I really want Brazil to win. But what I'm thinking is that it's going to be very, very difficult. The teams I think that are going to win are Argentina, Portugal, Spain, France. But as a Brazilian, I am really behind Brazil. Don't worry, we weren't questioning that. We knew that. We knew that. Don't worry. Well, Romario, thank you so much for coming on. It's been an absolute pleasure, hasn't it, to have an icon of the game? Yes. This is someone who to have here and be on the show is incredible, an inspiration to me growing up and to many lads my age growing up to watch Romário play.
36:21It brings back so many great memories, so thank you for coming.
36:29Thank you. It's been an honour to be here on a BBC programme so popular here in England.
36:38And it's been a real honour to be alongside, you know, one of the greatest goal scorers that I know. Thank you. Yeah, and it's been an absolute honour for me sitting alongside both of you. Fair few goals in this studio today, isn't there? Thank you again. And thank you at home for watching. A reminder, you can watch the Wayne Rooney show on the BBC Sport YouTube or iPlayer, or you can listen on BBC Sounds. Bye-bye.
37:06He's widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers in history. He's won the prestigious Ballon d 'Or award five times. He's the all-time leading goal scorer in professional football. And according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he's the first active footballer in history to achieve billionaire status. Guess who we're talking about yet? That's right. Good Bad Billionaire is exploring the life and fortune of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. That's Good Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service. Listen now wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
37:42He's widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers in history. He's won the prestigious Ballon d 'Or award five times. He's the all-time leading goal scorer in professional football. And according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he's the first active footballer in history to achieve billionaire status. Guess who we're talking about yet? That's right. Good Bad Billionaire is exploring the life and fortune of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. That's Good Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service. Listen now wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
From the publisher
Why can't Brazil produce another Ronaldo? Have they lost what made them the world's most feared football nation?
Wayne Rooney is joined by Brazil legend Romário to relive the iconic 1994 World Cup triumph, explain why Brazil are still searching for the next great No.9 and reveal why he volunteered to take a penalty in the World Cup final.
Romário also names the greatest player he ever saw, agrees with Wayne that modern football has become too tactical and reveals why he'd have loved to play alongside Wayne.