Romário: If Neymar Can Return to 80%, Brazil Must Build Around Him to Win
Recently, Brazilian legend Romário, known as the “Lone Wolf,” gave an interview to the program 10 de faixa. In the second part of the interview, he looked back on Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph and shared his views on Neymar. Romário stressed that if Neymar can regain 80% of his form, Brazil should build its tactics around him.

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Before the 1994 World Cup, you publicly declared that Brazil would win the title, otherwise people could come after you. What made you take such a huge personal risk and show that kind of confidence and courage?
Looking back today, I think I was crazy (laughs). But it was probably one of the most impactful statements I ever made in football. Why did I say it? First, we had a team that had tasted failure in 1990, which was the last World Cup for many of that generation. From 1990 to 1994, we stayed together. I strongly felt that everyone in the squad shared the same goal: to become champions.
I was in the best form of my career, and I knew that when Bebeto and I played together, we could truly change games. The team itself was very strong, and the tactical plan was clear: solid defense, then give the ball to Bebeto and Romário. Position by position, no team was clearly stronger than us. Maybe the Netherlands had more technical quality, but that was it. All those beliefs combined made me say those words.
Today I wouldn’t say something like that anymore. When you are inside a team and truly feel that winning mentality, you gain that confidence. And that squad stayed united no matter what, which was very special.
The 1990 national team might have been even more technical, but the way we lost caused deep pain. Players like Dunga carried that scar. We even felt a duty to help him and heal the wounds of 1990. All of that was connected to eventually winning the title. Like you said, Argentina later did a lot for Messi to help him win — that becomes extra motivation.
Do you think that could one day become extra motivation for Brazil’s national team when it comes to Neymar?
I happened to see news suggesting someone — mentioning Ancelotti — said Neymar might be used as a substitute. I don’t believe someone as experienced as Ancelotti would say that.
There’s still time before the World Cup, and many things can change, especially if players stay healthy. Neymar is a hugely influential figure for Brazilian football and the national team. I’ve always said that if he can return to 80% of his physical and technical level, Brazil must play around him if we want to win. Otherwise, as a Brazilian fan I’ll still hope for victory, but it will be very difficult.
Did the 1994 national team have qualities that the current squad urgently needs?
The 1994 team was like a family. Everyone fulfilled their role and gave a little extra for each other. There was only one goal in everyone’s mind: becoming world champions. We began gathering at the end of 1992 and gradually realized we had a chance to make up for 1990. It was a determined, responsible, united group, and I believe that’s what ultimately brought us success.
Do you like Ancelotti’s work so far?
Yes. Ancelotti is very experienced and has won everything. Of course, every new start is different. He coached many European giants and has now taken over Brazil during a very delicate and difficult moment. From what I see, the team is already showing his influence, which is great. He’s a winner, and if he can pass that mentality to the national team, it will be extremely important. In my opinion, he’s doing that.
In your view, how much responsibility does a coach carry in winning titles?
That’s a great question. I can’t give an exact percentage. If you had asked me when I was a player, I would’ve said, “As long as he doesn’t get in the way, that’s fine.” But football has changed; everything has evolved.
I believe the coach is very important, especially when he is someone you respect in every aspect. Take Ancelotti as an example — he has won everything, has prestige, and is respected. The team knows they can rely on someone like him. However, even though my view of coaches has changed since my playing days, I still think players remain the main responsibility bearers; their responsibility is greater than any other factor, even greater than the coach’s.