Romário’s relationship with student Alicya Gomes has come to an end, bringing a close to a partnership that had drawn widespread attention in Brazil due to the age difference between the pair.
The former World Cup winner, now 59, and Gomes, 22, have reportedly separated recently after they stopped following one another on social media.
Neither party has made a public statement, though the development has prompted speculation about the current state of the former footballer’s personal life.
Brazilian media outlets have reported that Romário was seen attending a music event in Rio de Janeiro last week alongside another woman.
Witnesses at the event described the pair as speaking closely in a quiet part of the venue, though there has been no confirmation that they are in a relationship and no formal comment from Romário or his representatives.
Romário and Gomes met during a political campaign in which he was involved as a senator.
Their first public appearance together came during Rock in Rio last October, where they were photographed watching a performance.
Romario and Alicya Gomes had frequently posted images of themselves on social media
|It was not until several months later that her identity became widely known, when the pair were seen attending events together and Gomes appeared among the guests at a birthday celebration held for Romário in early February.
She subsequently made her social media private, which was widely interpreted as an attempt to step back from public scrutiny.
Gomes, who is studying nutrition and comes from Baixada Fluminense north of Rio de Janeiro, was described by those close to the former striker as a positive and stabilising presence during the early stages of their relationship.
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Romario won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994
|GETTY
Romário publicly wished her well on her birthday earlier this year, writing a message that expressed affection and appreciation.
The age gap between them had prompted discussion online, with some social media users questioning the dynamic and others defending their right to form relationships without external judgement.
Supporters of the former Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven forward frequently pointed to his contributions to Brazilian football, particularly his starring role in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph, as reason to allow him personal privacy.
Romário has spoken openly in the past about his personal life, previously describing periods in which he prioritised his social life alongside his football career.
He acknowledged during his playing days that maintaining relationships was challenging given the pressures and visibility of elite sport.
He is the father of six children from previous relationships, and has been married just once.
Romario played for Barcelona during his playing days
|GETTY
In interviews and published essays, he has reflected on how his personal and professional lives often overlapped during his peak years.
His relationship with social media influencer Marcelle Ceolin, which ended in 2022 after several months, also drew attention at the time.
The pair travelled together before later going their separate ways.
A brief connection with events promoter Maria Geusiane Santos was also reported by entertainment publications last year, though neither party discussed the nature of that association publicly.
Romário remains a prominent and highly recognisable figure in Brazil, both for his sporting achievements and his political career.
However, while that's the case, he prefers to keep his private life exactly that.