Brazilian football icon Roberto Carlos reportedly embraces Islam.
Brazilian football icon Roberto Carlos has reportedly embraced Islam, according to a recent announcement made by a Turkish lawmaker who cited a prominent Muslim community leader in Brazil.
The former Fenerbahçe star, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history, is said to have converted to Islam in his home country approximately four weeks ago.
The claim was publicly disclosed by Ali Şahin, a lawmaker from Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), following a series of meetings with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community in São Paulo.
Şahin revealed that he had learned of Carlos’ reported conversion from Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, a leading figure within Brazil’s Muslim community and the vice president and religious adviser of the National Association of Islamic Jurists (ANAJI).
According to Şahin, Hammadeh stated that Carlos had been in contact with him for an extended period and visited him approximately four weeks prior.
During this meeting, the former footballer is said to have recited the shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, thereby embracing Islam.
Şahin shared this development in a social media post following the meeting, which took place at the Islamic Charitable Youth League of Brazil in São Paulo.
In his announcement, Şahin extended his congratulations to Carlos on his reported conversion and wished him, along with his family, peace, health, and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by several key representatives of Muslim organizations in Brazil, including Charif Neto, president of the Islamic Charitable Youth League; Omar Aref, president of the Pari Mosque Foundation; and representatives from ANAJI and other Islamic charitable and educational organizations.
In a separate development, Carlos recently entered into marriage with Suhayla At Tohiri, a prominent Moroccan-born football agent based in Spain.
Born in 1973, Carlos, now 53 years old, is celebrated as one of the greatest left-backs in the history of football. His illustrious career included a lengthy tenure at Real Madrid before he joined the Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe in 2007. Despite his global fame and extensive career, Carlos has not yet publicly confirmed the reported conversion to Islam.
Background and Career Highlights of Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos is widely recognized for his exceptional skill, speed, and powerful left-footed strikes, which earned him a place among football’s all-time greats. His time at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007 was particularly notable, during which he won four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. His iconic free-kick against England in 1997, where the ball appeared to bend at an impossible angle before entering the net, remains one of the most memorable moments in football history.
Following his departure from Real Madrid, Carlos joined Fenerbahçe in 2007, where he continued to showcase his talent before retiring in 2012. Beyond his club career, he also represented the Brazilian national team in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Brazil’s victories in 1994 and 2002.
Despite his retirement from professional football, Carlos remains an influential figure in the sport, often involved in various football-related activities and charitable initiatives. His reported conversion to Islam adds a new dimension to his public persona, though he has yet to make an official statement regarding the claim.