Not many interviewers can claim recent conversations with stars such as Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas. Yet Romario holds that rare influence. More than three decades after claiming the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and earning the best player award, he journeys across regions to interview football icons for his YouTube channel.

Romario launched his interview series one year ago. He describes this new venture as a fresh chapter. He expresses genuine enjoyment and excitement about the process, calling it refreshing and engaging.

The project allows him to revisit his playing days. Having retired in 2006, this interviewer role revives memories from his career, particularly when speaking with peers from his era. That connection stands out as a key reason for his current satisfaction.

Romario ranks among the elite in Brazilian and global football history, and he states this openly. He views himself as one of the top five players in history, delivered with his usual assurance.

When asked to name others on his list, he offers six names total. They include Pele, Maradona, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, himself and Ronaldo. He assigns himself an 11 out of 10 rating as a player.

That score echoes the shirt number he favored early and late in his club days as well as during most of his 71 caps for Brazil, including the 1994 tournament. Though often faulted for avoiding rigorous sessions, he offers a strong defense of his approach.

He acknowledges the common label of laziness and admits he skipped drills others expected. Yet he points to his consistent goal scoring as proof of effectiveness on the field, insisting others had to accept his style.

His playing years lacked social media, which let him maintain an active off field life without constant scrutiny. He never concealed his love for nightlife and notes that modern players must act differently, though he might gain wider credit for his on field feats today.

He says he would have welcomed social media during his time because it reveals true character. Many in Brazil missed his matches back then, but now everything becomes public knowledge. Still, his off field missteps would have drawn more attention, though the exposure might have curbed some behavior.

Romario smiles as he speaks. His bold nature led him into politics after retirement, a path he pursues alongside content creation. He started with the PSB party 16 years ago, winning election as a federal deputy in 2010 and senator in 2014.

He later joined Podemos in 2017 and then the PL party in 2021 amid the Bolsonaro era. Unlike the former leader now under house arrest, Romario rejects easing gun laws and pushes instead for education funding, areas not central to his current party.

He focuses efforts on education, health, social matters and sport. He advocates for disabled rights and inclusion without trading support for unrelated causes like drug legalization or abortion measures, signing only bills he supports.

Asked to rate his political work, he again claims an 11. His shifts between parties and independent stances have sparked criticism from various sides ahead of October elections featuring Lula seeking another term and Flavio Bolsonaro as a leading contender.

Romario hopes Ancelotti can guide Brazil to a sixth World Cup title and ease national tensions. He sees parallels to 1994 with political divides and rising violence, believing a victory would lift spirits and reduce strain across the country.

His doubts about Brazil stem from recent team displays rather than squad depth, though he notes fewer standout talents emerge compared to his era alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho or earlier figures like Zico.

Players excel at clubs in top leagues yet struggle in the national shirt. He urges them to reach at least 80 percent of club form to give Brazil a real shot at glory.

The absence of flashy new stars has boosted his own standing over time. With fewer figures to fill the spotlight, veterans like him retain strong influence in Brazilian football for past achievements.

He lists five teams ahead of Brazil and excludes England from that group. While respecting the English side and players like Kane, Bellingham and Saka, he favors France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Germany and Brazil as stronger contenders.

Known as the short man, Romario credits football for his path but rarely watches as a fan, preferring beach time over most matches except Brazil games or Premier League action featuring Guardiola, his former Barcelona teammate.

He recalls Guardiola as exceptionally sharp even as a young player among stars like Stoichkov and Koeman. Cruyff trusted him highly, and that focus carried into coaching success, placing him among history's best.

Guardiola noted Romario's mood in the dressing room often signaled match outcomes, with lively days leading to standout performances that were typical for him.

Before departing, Romario turns the questions on himself in what he calls the ultimate interview, explaining his success came from self belief and playing in a style that felt natural from his early days in the favela.