Romario and Bebeto, quarrel over politics. Exchange of accusations: “Traitor”, “Egoist” – Corriere.it

From world champions, together, to USA ’94 with the Brazil shirt to enemies. In these 29 years Romario and Bebeto they shared many things, but now their friendship is broken. And it seems that no one can get him to reconcile, at least immediately. Blame the politics that divides what football had united. On one side Romario, on the other Bebeto: once goal twins, now bitter enemies, who don’t miss the opportunity to insult each other. Or at least to argue. And the cause is the different political ideas which, after a short period of convergence, inexorably separated them.

The hatred between the two former strikers, world champions in Usa ’94, emerged forcefully after the statements made by Romario to the “Cheguei” podcast hosted by José Carlos Araujo, in which Baxinho branded his ex-mate as a “traitor”. In response, on the columns of Uol Export, Bebeto accused Romario of “selfishness” and “narcissism”. In short, as can be well understood, the two are not joking at all: «Bebeto? The greatest traitor he has ever known,” Romario said. And again: “He was my partner, my friend, almost a brother, but after entering politics he betrayed me”, he continued, referring to the change of party made by Bebeto in 2021 after having fought together for Podemos (centre-right formation born in the late 90s) during five years. And here is Bebeto’s reply: «I don’t understand who it is to call me a traitor. Unlike him, I have always had a clear career, without controversy, while he has always stood out for having thought of himself and his own interests ».

Old rusts sharpened by the last presidential election, those that have seen the triumph of Lula’s left, of which Bebeto has been a staunch supporter for two years, and Bolsonaro’s right, which Romario continues to support in his role as senator. And this is the result. The shattered friendship of one of the strongest goalscoring couples in football history. Together they dragged Brazil to the top of the world at USA ’94, winning on penalties against Arrigo Sacchi’s Italy. And today they no longer speak.