Brazilian football icon Romario has found himself at the centre of yet another high-profile personal scandal after being dumped by his much younger girlfriend following allegations he cheated with her close friend.

The 60-year-old 1994 World Cup winner and former Barcelona striker was dating 25-year-old dentistry student Tiffany Barcelos, a relationship that began earlier this year and quickly drew attention due to the 35-year age gap. The pair had been spotted together on several occasions, including a recent romantic trip to Buenos Aires, appearing to enjoy a passionate whirlwind romance.

However, the relationship has now come to an abrupt end after Tiffany reportedly discovered that Romario had been involved with her best friend, Barbara Cavalcanti. Brazilian media described the situation as a “double betrayal” — not only cheating on his girlfriend, but doing so with someone from her inner circle. The scandal has shocked fans and dominated headlines in Brazil over the past 24 hours.

According to reports, Tiffany reacted decisively once the allegations surfaced. She deleted photos of the couple from her social media, removed comments left by Romario, and unfollowed both him and Barbara. The breakup appears final, with sources close to the young student saying she felt deeply hurt and betrayed by both her boyfriend and her friend.

Just days after the Buenos Aires trip, Romario was photographed in Fernando de Noronha enjoying time with friends — notably without Tiffany by his side. Rumours quickly spread that Barbara may have been involved in the trip or other recent outings, further fuelling the cheating claims.

Romario, known throughout his career and retirement for his colourful personal life, has often been labelled “sex-obsessed” by the Brazilian press. The former striker has had multiple high-profile relationships, marriages, and children, and has never shied away from living life on his own terms. His transition into politics as a senator has not slowed down the tabloid attention surrounding his romantic escapades.

Despite the controversy, Romario remains a revered figure in Brazilian football for his incredible goal-scoring record and his pivotal role in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph. Off the pitch, however, his personal life has frequently overshadowed his sporting achievements, with a long history of turbulent relationships and public disputes.

Tiffany Barcelos, a young dentistry student, had been thrust into the spotlight since the relationship became public. Friends described her as intelligent and ambitious, and many expressed surprise at how quickly the romance soured. The involvement of her close friend Barbara has reportedly caused a major rift in their social circle, with the alleged affair described as particularly painful.

The story has sparked heated debate on social media. Some fans defended Romario, claiming his private life should remain private and pointing to his legendary status on the pitch. Others criticised the age gap and the pattern of behaviour, arguing that the repeated scandals damage his legacy. Many expressed sympathy for Tiffany, calling the double betrayal “cruel” and “unforgivable.”

This latest chapter adds to a long list of dramatic personal stories involving the Brazilian icon. From his playing days filled with goals and controversy to his post-retirement life as a politician and public personality, Romario has never been far from the headlines.

As the dust settles on this breakup, questions remain about whether Romario will address the allegations publicly. For now, the focus remains on the hurt caused to a young woman who entered a high-profile relationship only to face public humiliation and the loss of both a partner and a friend.

The scandal serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities, especially when large age differences and complicated personal dynamics are involved. While Romario’s footballing brilliance is undisputed, his personal life continues to provide endless drama for fans and media alike.

Whether this marks the end of Romario’s headline-making romantic adventures or simply another chapter remains to be seen. At 60, the former striker shows no signs of slowing down — on or off the pitch.