Romario, 41, thought his most recent goal, for Vasco da Gama against Flamengo on March 25, was number 999.
But De Volkskrant reckons Romario has omitted a goal he scored in August 1990 for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven in a friendly match against amateur side Nieuw Buinen.
"Romario dribbled past a few players before he rounded the goalkeeper," former Nieuw Buinen board member Mans Hebels was quoted as saying in Saturday's paper.
Keeper Derk Piebes confirmed he was beaten by Romario, who also hit the post from the penalty spot during that match.
Romario visited Eindhoven in 2002 to ascertain how many goals he scored during his spell in the Netherlands.
He readily acknowledges his overall total includes goals scored in youth, friendly and testimonials.