A dynamic forward from Brazil: Meet Rômulo
The 23-year-old striker joins from the Turkish Süper Lig and has put pen to paper on a contract until 2030
First Team · Season 2025/2026
Aug 15, 2025 · 11:05 AM
Content of this article
For months, the media on the Aegean coast have been raving about a player who has helped bring Göztepe back to the top table of Turkish football. His name is Rômulo José Cardoso da Cruz, or Rômulo for short.
Last term, the 23-year-old Brazilian played a huge part in the Izmir-based side competing in the upper reaches of the division after winning promotion the previous season. His record of 17 goals and 10 assists in 33 games speaks for itself. Standing at 1.93 metres tall, the powerful striker offers both a strong physical presence and an attacking dynamism which is difficult to stop. But that is just part of the story.
Let’s get to know our new striker better.
Bem-vindo a Leipzig 👋
From Brazil to Türkiye to Leipzig
Rômulo learnt his trade at Maringá FC, and quickly developed into a centre-forward with a strong eye for goal. The attacker was prolific in the Brazilian U17 championship and finished as top goalscorer. His qualities meant he was ready for the next step. This came in the form of a loan to then-top-division side Athletico Paranaense, where Rômulo got his first taste of senior action.
In February 2024, the striker moved from Brazil to the equally passionate football hub of Izmir, joining Göztepe on an initial loan deal. He went on to score 5 goals and provide 3 assists in the second half of the season, and contribute to his side’s promotion to the Süper Lig. It soon became clear that the fan favourite would remain on board.
Over the course of a year and a half, he laid the foundations for the next step in his career. This has brought Rômulo from the third-largest city in Türkiye to Leipzig.
The 23-year-old shows off his skills.
Strong athleticism
Anyone seeing Rômulo for the first time might immediately think they know what to expect: a classic target man, who is good in the air and holds up the ball. But that description doesn’t go far enough. As well as his presence in the penalty area, he also boasts impressive mobility, electric pace and classic Brazilian footballing skill. He is not just a finisher, but also a creator. His precise through balls and clever short passes show that he can also set up his teammates.
He also brings tactical intelligence, clinical finishing and consistent hard-working performances for the team. This combination of height and speed makes him a nightmare for defences to face.
A cup game for the history books
Our new signing will not forget 3rd April 2025 in a hurry. He netted a hat-trick against holders Beşiktaş in the quarter-finals of the Turkish Cup. His treble (scored in the 38th, 79th and 81st minute) earned Göztepe a surprise 3-1 victory over the Istanbul-based giants. That was some way to reach the semi-finals!
Rômulo was all smiles during his photoshoot with RBL.
Mentality and character
Off the pitch, the 23-year-old is a calm and focused player, who works hard and does everything for the team. These qualities quickly made him popular in Izmir and will also delight RBL fans.
Bem-vindo a Leipzig, Rômulo! We can’t wait to see you on the pitch in an RBL shirt for the first time.
Rômulo will wear the number 40 shirt for RBL this season.
Profile
Name: Rômulo José Cardoso da Cruz
Born: 8th February 2002 in Marialva, Brazil (23 years old)
Position: Striker
Height: 1.93 metres
Preferred foot: right
Shirt number: 40
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