Romarinho signs with Portuguesa until 2027
35-year-old forward returns to the pitch after doping suspension
Romarinho, a 35-year-old forward who went nearly a year without playing, was announced by Portuguesa this Wednesday. The contract, valid until December 2027, marks the return of the former Vitória player to the pitch after his doping penalty became global.
What motivated the signing
The São Paulo club is in the phase of consolidating its Football Corporation (SAF), presented in late 2024 with a total investment of R$ 1.2 billion. The project includes paying off debts, modernizing the Canindé stadium, and providing resources for the payroll and reinforcements.
How the suspension happened
Romarinho's penalty began in 2023 while he was still playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. An antidoping test identified a fertility medication, which resulted in a sanction that initially limited his play only to Saudi competitions. Later, the athlete played in Qatar, and upon returning to Brazil, the restriction was expanded worldwide, preventing him from playing for Vitória starting in October 2025.
The player's recent background
Before the suspension, Romarinho had a short stint at Vitória, with only five matches and 121 minutes on the field, with no goals or assists. His previous career includes spells at Middle Eastern clubs such as Al-Ittihad, Al-Rayyan, Al-Jaish, Al-Jazira, and Neom.
Expectations at Portuguesa
The signing comes as Lusa faces sporting difficulties: they were eliminated in the third phase of Série D and will not be able to compete in professional competitions in 2026, returning only in the 2027 Campeonato Paulista. Romarinho arrives as a reinforcement for the team's new phase, which still aims to meet promotion goals outlined in the SAF plan.
Next steps
Romarinho has been using Portuguesa's training center facilities to regain his physical condition. The club intends to count on his experience, notably remembered for his goal in the 2012 Libertadores final, to strengthen the squad when the team returns to the field in 2027.
With information from A TARDE and Jornal Correio.
Source: A TARDE, Jornal Correio