News emerged concerning Roberto Carlos, who left his mark on world football with Brazil’s national team, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe. The 53-year-old former footballer is said to have embraced Islam.
AK Party Gaziantep deputy Ali Şahin announced the development. During his contacts in Brazil, Şahin met representatives of the Muslim community in São Paulo, including Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, one of the leading figures in Brazil’s Muslim community.
According to Şahin, Hammadeh said during the meeting that Roberto Carlos had visited him about four weeks earlier and embraced Islam after reciting the shahada.
The news that Roberto Carlos, one of the best-known names in world football, had changed his religion quickly drew attention in Türkiye and the international sports press.
Roberto Carlos has not yet commented
However, Roberto Carlos has not yet issued a direct, public confirmation through his personal accounts or representatives. At present, the public account of the development consists of information Ali Şahin shared after meeting Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh.
Carlos has previously spoken about his religious beliefs. During his playing and coaching career, the Brazilian star spoke of his faith in God and said that he prayed before matches.
He played for Fenerbahçe in Türkiye
Regarded as one of the most successful left-backs in football history, Roberto Carlos rose to global fame particularly through his performances for Real Madrid and Brazil’s national team.
Carlos played for Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, winning numerous trophies with the Spanish club, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. He was also part of Brazil’s squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Well known to football fans in Türkiye, Carlos left Real Madrid in 2007 and joined Fenerbahçe. The Brazilian star made a significant mark in Türkiye in the yellow-and-navy shirt and later returned to the country as a coach, working at Sivasspor and Akhisarspor.
Following the reports that Roberto Carlos had embraced Islam, attention has turned to any possible statement the Brazilian football legend may make on the matter.
