Bebeto celebrates his 60th birthday on Friday, February 16, a life filled with glory representing the Brazilian national team and the clubs he played for. The former striker immortalized himself in the history of the Seleção with the 1994 World Cup victory in the United States, securing Brazil’s fourth title. In total, he played 81 matches, with 54 wins, 17 draws, and only ten losses. He participated in three World Cups (1990, 1994, and 1998) and won the Copa America (1989) and the Confederations Cup (1997).
“It is a joy to congratulate Bebeto on another birthday. He is a true Northeasterner, discovered by Vitória, where he began his successful football career. Bebeto is a football artist, one of the great stars in the history of world football. He deserves to be celebrated always,” said CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
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Known for his movement, technique, and goal-scoring prowess, Bebeto was a starter in all seven matches during the World Cup triumph and scored three goals. Alongside Romário, he terrorized opposing defenders with his goal-scoring instinct, forming one of the greatest duos in world football history.
The birth of his son Matheus two days before the match against the Netherlands in the World Cup quarterfinals marked the rest of his career and inspired one of football’s great celebrations. By dribbling past the goalkeeper and finding the net, Bebeto made a rocking gesture as if cradling his newborn, a move that has been replicated by athletes worldwide to this day.
Hailing from Salvador (BA), José Roberto Gama de Oliveira was discovered by Vitória in 1983, where he excelled before transferring to Flamengo in 1984. He spent five years at Flamengo, winning the Brazilian Championship and the Carioca Championship. In 1989, Bebeto was signed by Vasco da Gama, winning the Brazilian Championship in his first season with the club.
In 1992, he moved to Deportivo La Coruña (ESP), where he teamed up with fellow Brazilians Donato and Mauro Silva, contributing to some of the most successful years for the Spanish team with victories in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Established as a Deportivo idol, Bebeto returned to Flamengo in 1996 and later that year, after limited opportunities, went back to Spain to play for Sevilla. In 1997, he joined Vitória and won the Copa do Nordeste and the Campeonato Baiano. Before joining Botafogo the following year, he played in the Club World Cup final for Cruzeiro against Borussia Dortmund (GER).
Representing Botafogo in 1998, he secured the Rio-São Paulo Tournament title and a spot in the 1998 World Cup squad in France. In 1999, Bebeto signed with Toros Neza (MEX) and after a year with the Mexican club, moved to Kashima Antlers (JPN). In 2000, he returned to Vitória and in 2001 had his final stint with Vasco da Gama. He concluded his career in 2002 playing for Al-Ittihad (SAU).
