Bebeto

(born 1964). Brazilian soccer (association football) player Bebeto was a star forward for his team in the early 1990s. He was probably most remembered for his goal celebration in the 1994 World Cup.

José Roberto Gama de Oliveira was born on Feb. 16, 1964, in Salvador, Brazil. A relatively latecomer to the sports scene, he began playing for Brazilian club Vitória as a junior player in 1981. He became a full member of the club team in 1983. Although he stayed in Brazil, Bebeto moved clubs several times from 1983 and 1992. He joined the Brazilian national team in 1985 and remained on it until 1998. Besides playing in Brazil, he joined teams in Spain, Mexico, Japan, and Saudi Arabia from 1993 to 2002, sometimes changing teams more than once a year.

Bebeto played on the Brazilian team for three consecutive World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998). He became well known throughout the world for his goal celebration in the 1994 Cup. His wife had recently given birth, so, after scoring, he ran to the sideline and made a rocking motion with his arms as if he were carrying a baby. Several of his teammates joined him, and the images were broadcast around the world. Brazil went on to win the Cup. Bebeto retired from soccer in 2002.