ROMARIO

Former football star and Brazilian senator launches bid to become Rio de Janeiro state governor

1 “In these chaotic times, change is necessary, change is urgent... Rio always had safety problems, but never like now,” the 52-year-old said as he announced his candidacy for the centrist party Podemos, on whose ticket he was elected federal deputy in 2010 and senator in 2014

2 The 1994 World Cup champion and ex-Barcelona star has stood out in congress for his support for disabled people -- one of his daughters has Down Syndrome

3 Romario previously ran for mayor of Rio de Janeiro, but backed out, lending his support to winner Marcelo Crivella before later distancing himself.