Romário

Marcos Vinicius Alves Barreira (born 28 May 2002), better known as Romário, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.

Career

Romário started his career at Vila Nova, and also played for Atlético Goianiense, Athletico Paranaense and Goiânia.

Match-fixing scandal

Romário was one of the precursors of "Operação Penalidade Máxima", which aimed to look for irregularities committed in football matches in Brazil for profit on betting sites. Romário allegedly coerced clubmates into committing a penalty foul in the Vila Nova vs Sport Recife match, 6 November 2022, valid for 2022 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. Upon becoming aware of what had happened internally, Vila Nova's directive management resigned with the player, on 30 November 2022. Subsequently, a complaint was filed with the public prosecutor, which resulted in the operation.

On 29 May 2023, Romário was permanently banned from football after being judged in the match-fixing scandal.