Óscar Romero (footballer)

Óscar David Romero Villamayor (born 4 July 1992) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Botafogo and the Paraguay national team. He is the twin brother of Ángel Romero.

Career
Romero was in the youth ranks of Boca Juniors when he was a Sub 15, but could not continue at the club for a matter of paperwork, therefore he did not play for the Xeneize.

Cerro Porteño
Romero joined the youth ranks of Cerro Porteño at the age of 14. He debuted in the First Division of Paraguay on 15 May 2011 in a 1–0 defeat against General Caballero SC of Zeballos Cue. He scored his first goal on 1 December 2012 against Sportivo Luqueño. His good performances attracted many European teams, such as Spanish clubs Real Madrid B and Valencia Football Club.

In 2013, like his brother Angel, he had more opportunities, since the club decided to give chance to the youth. With the new DT Francisco Arce, Oscar impressed, attracting interest from clubs like Baniyas SC of United Arab Emirates and also being summoned to the Selection Paraguay.

In October 2014, after his good performances in the knockout round of the Copa Sudamericana against Lanús Argentina, in which he scored three goals, he was said to be worth $3 to 6 million. He was targeted by major European clubs, such as Atlético Madrid.

Racing Club
On 28 January 2015, Romero was signed by Racing Club for $2.7 million. He debuted on 18 February against Deportivo Tachira in Copa Libertadores. On 13 March 2015, Romero scored his first competitive goal for the club against Club Atlético Colón. On 15 August 2015, Romero scored his second goal against Union de Santa Fe.

Shanghai Shenhua
Romero played for Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League from 2017 to 2019. He won one title with the club; the Chinese FA Cup in 2019.

San Lorenzo
In 2019, San Lorenzo signed Romero on a two-year contract. He left the club in 2021.

Boca Juniors
Romero joined Boca Juniors in February 2022 on a free transfer, and signed a two-year contract.

Pendikspor
On 9 August 2023, he signed with Süper Lig club Pendikspor.

Botafogo
On March 18, 2024, he was announced by Botafogo with a contract until the end of the season. The player received the number 70 shirt to play for the club. On April 2, the Paraguayan was listed for the first time, for the match against Junior Barranquilla in the Libertadores. The Paraguayan debuted against the Colombians at Nilton Santos. Romero entered in the 39th minute of the final stage, replacing Marlon Freitas.

On May 13, 2024, after an act of indiscipline, Óscar Romero was cut from Botafogo's trip to Peru, where the team would face Universitario in the fifth round of Group D of the Libertadores group stage. According to the specialized press, the midfielder took, along with clubmate Diego Hernández, women to the concentration after the match against Fortaleza.

The following day, the Paraguayan spoke out, saying he accepted Botafogo's punishment, but denied that he had taken women to the team hotel.

International

 * Scores and results list Paraguay's goal tally first.

Honours
Shanghai Shenhua
 * Chinese FA Cup: 2019

Boca Juniors
 * Primera División: 2022
 * Copa de la Liga Profesional: 2022
 * Supercopa Argentina: 2022