RB Leipzig's Rômulo on a fast start in the Bundesliga, Ole Werner, moving to Europe and Brazil national team ambitions

With six goals in 13 Bundesliga games since joining RB Leipzig last summer, Rômulo has proven to be an astute signing. He sat down to discuss his switch to the Red Bull Arena, what makes Ole Werner stand out, a potential Brazil call-up and much more...

Rômulo, new signings in the Bundesliga often need time to settle in, but you began strongly after your move to Leipzig. What helped you get off to such a great start?

Rômulo: "The fact that the squad is young and welcomed me so well made all the difference. I arrived when it wasn’t as cold as it is now, which also helped. But mainly it was the way I was received, not only by the players, but the whole staff. Everyone made me feel at home, and I think that made the atmosphere lighter. And scoring a goal in the first match at home also takes pressure off."

Watch: The best of Rômulo

Indeed, you found the back of the net in your first game at the Red Bull Arena against Heidenheim - who are your next opponents. You must therefore have good memories of them...

Rômulo: “It was a special moment. It was my first game in the starting XI, and at home as well. So being able to score and help the team win is always very rewarding. It’s a match that really stayed with me. We played very well and got the three points.”

What are your main strengths that are helping Leipzig right now?

Rômulo: “In the build-up phase, I move well between the lines and can hold the ball to help the team escape high pressure. And of course, finishing. Most of my goals have come with quick touches inside the box, so that’s definitely one of my main strengths.”

Watch: Rômulo scores first Leipzig goal in 2-0 win over Heidenheim - highlights

About the players

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Rômulo

RB Leipzig

You joined around the same time as head coach Ole Werner. What makes him special?

Rômulo: “He’s very young and has a working philosophy that’s quite different from any coach I’ve had before. He has a very clear style; keep possession, and when we lose it, press hard to win it back as quickly as possible. That’s what sets him apart.”

You moved to Europe from your Brazilian homeland in 2024 at the age of 22. What was the biggest challenge on that journey?

Rômulo: “I had a very difficult start in professional football. I began well in the Paraná Aspirantes Championship, but the following year I had many injuries, which hurt my continuity at Athletico Paranaense. So I had to make the decision to leave and go to Turkey. 

Rômulo (l.) has worked well under Werner (r.) at Leipzig. - IMAGO/Christian Schroedter

"Moving to another country with a very different culture is challenging, but thank God everything worked out. The people there welcomed me, and my wife and I were very happy. I didn’t have many problems, but the hardest part is leaving a country like Brazil and going to the other side of the world, just me and my wife, still very young."

What role did your family play in your development as a professional footballer?

Rômulo: “Their main role was always to support me - and also not to go easy on me when I was wrong. My father was always very present. He always took me to training and games, and pushed me when I played badly or didn’t train well. The most important thing they gave me was support, without putting pressure on me to become a footballer. Things just happened naturally and I became a professional. And they still support me today.”

Rômulo joined Leipzig from Göztepe in Turkey. - IMAGO/Seskimphoto

Thanks to your performances, the dream of playing for Brazil is within reach. Is that an important goal for you?

Rômulo: “Definitely. I think for every Brazilian player, the biggest dream is to represent Brazil. Being in the Bundesliga and playing for a club like Leipzig brings me closer to that. And of course, if I score goals and play well, it gets even closer. So yes, that dream is very much alive. I’m still young too, so there’s plenty of time."

About the clubs

RB Leipzig

Red Bull Arena