Fabrizio Romano has become a household name among soccer fans, renowned for his unrivaled ability to deliver accurate and timely transfer news.

Known for his signature catchphrase, “Here we go!,” Romano has carved out a niche as the go-to source for breaking news in the soccer world.

However, his reputation has come under scrutiny recently, especially due to his consistent coverage and perceived support of the controversial Mason Greenwood.

This has sparked significant backlash, raising questions about Romano’s motivations and the ethical implications of his reporting.

At 31 years old, Romano has ascended to the pinnacle of sports journalism, particularly in the realm of soccer transfers.

His rise to fame has been fueled by accuracy, speed, and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the transfer market. In an era where misinformation can spread like wildfire on social media, he has positioned himself as a reliable source that fans can trust.

His ability to break transfer news before anyone else has kept millions of soccer enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

Despite his widespread acclaim, Romano’s career has not been without controversy.

Earlier this year, he found himself at the center of a transfer scandal in Denmark involving one of Europe’s most promising young players, Roony Bardghji. Romano reported to his vast audience that Bardghji was being sidelined due to a contract dispute.

Nevertheless, the club quickly refuted the claim, which prompted a dramatic investigation by Danish media.

The revelation that he could have been a part of a pay-for-promotion system escalated the accusations.

Another team from Scandinavia, Valerenga, has similar claims. Their former marketing manager claimed that Romano had contacted them with a similar offer.

Step too far with Fabrizio Romano constantly reporting favorable coverage on player?

The controversies surrounding Romano did not end with these scandals. Many, including supporters and impartial observers, are furious over his unwavering backing and promotion of Mason Greenwood, a player with a problematic past.

Greenwood, who was accused of serious domestic abuse, has become a polarizing figure in the soccer world.

Romano’s regular updates and posts about the Englishman have sparked outrage; particularly among neutral fans and those sensitive to the nature of the allegations against the player.

The core of the controversy lies in the perception that Romano is using his platform to rehabilitate Greenwood’s image; despite the disturbing evidence against him.

In fact, since July alone, the Italian has tweeted at least 20 times on the new Marseille striker, focusing solely on public relations rather than addressing the real issue.

Some fans speculate that Romano’s motivations might be financially driven, suggesting that Greenwood’s team may be paying him for the glowing coverage. Others believe that Romano is simply chasing engagement, knowing that the player’s name stirs strong reactions online.

Romano’s critics argue that his recent actions reveal a troubling shift in his journalistic integrity.

Speculation and outright allegations have circulated over the years about Romano’s content.

There have even been whispers that agents and clubs pay for visibility via his enormous following, which in turn increases interaction. These claims suggest that Romano no longer needs to dig for information; instead, agents and clubs deliver it to him, complete with financial incentives.

One Reddit user remarked, “His service to clubs and agents is his follower count. He doesn’t have to go and find the information anymore, the info comes to him in a PDF and with an invoice.”

Growing disconnect: Fan backlash and ethical concerns

A lot of people think Romano has switched gears from journalist to influencer; picking and choosing which players and teams to write about based on which ones promote his interests.

Further fueling the controversy, some fans have pointed out Romano’s apparent obsession with Greenwood; questioning why he focuses so much on this particular player. “Fabrizio Romano’s consistent and unrelenting promotion of Greenwood is so, so bizarre”, one user noted; adding that it seems out of character for someone who claims to be passionate solely about transfers.

Others have gone further, accusing Romano of profiting from the controversy, using his platform to glorify a player with a deeply troubling history. Although Romano’s impact on the soccer world cannot be denied, the revelation of his ethical dilemmas suggests that his career is more convoluted than it first seems.

The backlash against Romano has been swift and severe, with many fans unfollowing him and expressing their disgust at his perceived moral compromises.

Attempting to normalize or even praise a player accused of heinous acts, critics accuse the journalist of “reputation laundering” for Greenwood. One user did not mince words, stating, “Not even contributing to Fabrizio Romano’s income, but what he’s doing for Mason Greenwood is disgusting. Blatant reputation laundering.”

The outrage extends beyond just Romano’s coverage of Greenwood. It touches on broader concerns about the ethics of journalism and the responsibilities of those with significant influence.

Fans and observers alike are questioning whether it is appropriate for someone with Fabrizio Romano’s reach to use his platform in a way that could potentially downplay serious accusations in favor of generating clicks and engagement.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.