Three decades on from against the Netherlands that would become one of the most memorable moments of the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, Bebeto is hoping that another exciting Brazilian talent will 'rock the baby' on US soil.
The World Cup-winning striker, who was instrumental in helping to their fourth title, has touted Endrick to replicate his signature gesture during the upcoming tournament, where he hopes Carlo Ancelotti's team will add a sixth star to their crest.
Just like Bebeto in 1994, Endrick will be heading to this year's flagship event in North America on the brink of becoming a father – his wife, the social-media personality and model Gabriely Miranda, is due to give birth to the couple’s first child, a baby boy, in July or August.
“I’ll be backing him all the way," said Romario’s former strike partner in an interview with FIFA. “He's destined for greatness. I’m hoping he comes good and gets his goal. And if he does, he should pay tribute to his baby boy and wife. After all, family is everything.”
Bebeto is full of admiration for the explosive young frontman who came through the ranks at Palmeiras and is heading into this tournament as one of Brazil’s most electrifying prospects.
“Endrick is always looking to make an impact and inject impetus into the side," he said. "He’s a special talent. We met fairly recently in the United States – he came over to speak to me and I took the opportunity to offer him some advice. I’ll be cheering him on and willing him to give it his all, because he’s got real character and doesn’t let things get to him. Ancelotti recognises that Endrick will be absolutely vital too.”
The Real Madrid forward, who was loaned out to Lyon for the second half of the newly-concluded season, is one of the most significant additions to Brazil’s attacking arsenal. At just 19 years of age, he already has 15 caps and three goals for his country.
Currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship, Mattheus Oliveira is the youngest of Bebeto’s three children and the only one to have followed in his father’s footballing footsteps. He was born on 7 July 1994, two days before Brazil’s pulsating 3-2 quarter-final victory over the Netherlands.
When Bebeto converted Brazil’s second goal in that encounter, he intuitively darted over to the touchline and started cradling an imaginary baby. Mazinho and Romario quickly joined in, paying tribute to their team-mate's newest family member.
“Mattheus was the only one of my children whose birth I missed. I didn’t say a word to anyone about what I’d planned. It was a gift from God. I asked God to give me the chance to score a goal for my son. And that’s exactly what happened.”
The celebration was seen around the world and would go down in World Cup folklore. However, Mattheus himself would have to wait several years to appreciate his father’s act of homage. The former Brazil star and devoted dad has never forgotten the moment his son first witnessed it.
“Mattheus was about five years old when he first saw that celebration," he recalled. "We were arriving back in Brazil after a trip, and the goal was being shown on TV in the duty-free shop. He stood there watching it all unfold and smiled. That’s when I realised that he knew it was meant for him. It brought me to tears.”
Overall, Bebeto struck three times at the 1994 tournament, including the only goal of the last-16 tie against hosts USA. Endrick and Co will embark on their bid to emulate that team on – against whom Bebeto scored at the 1998 finals – before facing Haiti and Scotland.
Sources: FIFA Official
