Brazilian World Cup winner Romario to play for Rio de Janeiro side at 58

Romario, the retired Brazilian striker aged 58, has officially signed up as a player for America-RJ, the second division team in Rio de Janeiro, of which he is currently the president. This move marks his return to the sport after a hiatus of 15 years.

Romario, the retired Brazilian striker aged 58, has officially signed up as a player for America-RJ, the second division team in Rio de Janeiro, of which he is currently the president. This move marks his return to the sport after a hiatus of 15 years.

Romario, who retired in 2008 and took on the role of America's sporting director in 2009, represented Brazil in two World Cups, notably scoring five goals to help secure victory in 1994.

In 2009, he briefly emerged from retirement to play for 22 minutes with America, his late father's beloved team, in a match that saw them clinch the championship in Rio de Janeiro's second division.

Romario's son, Romarinho, is also a player for America. In a recent Instagram post, Romario expressed his intention to play a few games for the team he holds dear to his heart, alongside his son, rather than compete in the championship.

The Rio de Janeiro football federation has confirmed Romario's player registration, stating that he will receive a minimum wage, which he plans to donate to the club.

Throughout his career, Romario made over 70 appearances for Brazil from 1987 to 2005, scoring a total of 56 goals. He had multiple spells with Vasco da Gama and also featured for Flamengo and Fluminense in Brazil, as well as Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and Valencia.

Although he claims to have scored more than 1,000 goals in his career, this figure includes goals from youth level, unofficial matches, and friendlies.

Following his retirement from football, Romario transitioned into politics, serving as a senator and leading investigations into corruption within Brazilian football.