Romário at 60, debut on a day that shaped Coritiba’s 1985 triumph | OneFootball

As Romário turns 60, his professional bow is remembered for its impact on Coritiba’s 1985 title story as much as for announcing a phenomenon.

According to Globo.com, the date was six February 1985 at São Januário in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The 19-year-old waited on Vasco’s bench as Roberto Dinamite scored a penalty and coach Edu Coimbra prepared the change.

At 13 minutes into the second half, Romário stepped on for his first senior minutes. He did not score, yet his sharp movement and awareness stood out. André, Coritiba’s former full-back on the pitch that day, later expressed pride and said he was already strong, skilful and very quick.

Vasco won 3-0, but the afternoon became a turning point for Coritiba. A fierce exchange in the away dressing room sharpened their competitiveness.

The group regrouped and went on to win the 1985 Brazilian Championship. The day of Romário’s debut thus marked the emergence of a genius and the awakening of a champion.

From 1985, he amassed 827 goals in 993 official games, exceeding 1,000 when youth matches and friendlies are included. He inspired Brazil’s 1994 Tetra, won Copa América in 1989 and 1997, the 1997 Confederations Cup, the 2000 Brasileiro, and at 39 topped the 2005 scoring charts with 22 for Vasco.

Source: Globo.com