Romario Highlights Brazilian Talents to Lead Brazil
Brazilian World Cup champion Romário acknowledges that Vitor Roque, the FC Barcelona forward, "isn't having the best time," but still believes in his abilities to become a forward for the national team alongside Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick, in whom he has "great hopes."
"I trust those guys. I have high hopes. I don't think they'll be another Romário or Ronaldo, but they can make a difference," said the former forward in an interview with EFE, marking the release of a documentary series about his career.
The 58-year-old senator believes that the four attackers "can really help Brazil in the next World Cup," which will be held in 2026 in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, where he won the title in 1994 with Cafú, Mauro Silva, Dunga, Bebeto, and others.
Before the 2026 World Cup, the Canarinha will play in the Copa América in the United States, starting on June 20, with a squad led by Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Endrick, and from which Vitor Roque was excluded for technical reasons.
"We have three forwards who are already a reality: Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Endrick. And we also have Vitor Roque from Barcelona, who isn't in the best form right now, but he's someone I trust," Romário analyzed.
At 19 years old, Vitor Roque has been a sensation in Brazilian football from a young age, first with Cruzeiro and then with Athletico Paranaense, before being transferred to FC Barcelona last January. However, he has had very few opportunities with the Catalan team to show his potential.
Barça's coach, Xavi Hernández, said that Roque is a "developing" player and if he plays "less," it's because his teammates are at a higher level.
Sports media have even speculated about a possible exit for the forward in the next European transfer window.
Despite everything, Romário admitted that, as of today, "Brazil is no longer the best team in the world," as it was "in other times," although he believes that football is so balanced nowadays that the Canarinha "could have a chance for that reason."