Rômulo Azevedo Simão (born 7 October 2001), simply known as Rômulo, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as either an attacking midfielder or a forward for Novorizontino, on loan from Palmeiras.
Career Early career Born in Pirassununga, São Paulo, Rômulo represented União São João, Independente de Limeira and Matonense as a youth before being loaned out to Atlético Paranaense in September 2018. Back to Matonense in March 2019, he made his first team debut during the year's Campeonato Paulista Segunda Divisão before leaving the club in August for Novorizontino, after having unpaid wages.
Novorizontino
Initially a member of the under-20 squad, Rômulo was promoted to the first team of Tigre in 2020, and started to feature with the squad in the year's Copa Paulista. He only started to feature regularly in the 2022 Série B, however, and renewed his contract until 2025 on 19 September 2022.
Rômulo became a regular starter during the 2023 season, contributing with 11 goals and nine assists during the year.
Palmeiras On 20 February 2024, Palmeiras announced the signing of Rômulo on a five-year contract, with the player joining the club after the 2024 Campeonato Paulista. He made his club – and Série A – debut on 17 April, coiming on as a late substitute for Raphael Veiga in a 1–0 home loss to Internacional, but was unable to establish himself in the starting eleven under head coach Abel Ferreira.
Loan to Ceará On 7 February 2025, Rômulo was loaned to Ceará until the end of the year. Initially a regular member, he lost space in June.
Loan to Novorizontino On 1 August 2025, Rômulo returned to Novorizontino on loan until the end of the year. On 24 December, his loan was extended for a further season.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueState LeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMatonense2019Paulista 2ª Divisão—112———112Novorizontino2020Série D00—00—8Appearance(s) in Copa Paulista3832021Série C9000———902022Série B2015010——2612023327194———5111202400133———133Total61837710—8310718Palmeiras2024Série A90—102Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores0—120202500400000—40Total90401020—160Ceará (loan)2025Série A905020—5Appearance(s) in Copa do Nordeste0210Novorizontino (loan)2025Série B162————1622026109531—00136Total1729531—00298Career total96106614712013318428
Honours Clubs Ceará Campeonato Cearense: 2025
Individual Campeonato Paulista Breakthrough Player: 2024 Campeonato Paulista Team of the Year: 2024, 2026
References