Brazilan Legend Roberto Carlos Reportedly Converted to Islam after marrying a Muslim

Legendary Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos has reportedly embraced Islam, according to statements made by Ali Şahin, a Turkish Member of Parliament representing Gaziantep for the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP). The announcement follows diplomatic and cultural meetings held in São Paulo, Brazil, where the Turkish politician met with prominent leaders of the South American Muslim community.

In a detailed account shared via his official social media channels, Mr Şahin recounted his meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, who serves as the Deputy Chairman and Religious Advisor of the Brazilian Association of Islamic Jurists (ANAJI). Sheikh Hammadeh, an influential figure who also holds a senior leadership position at the Brazilian Islamic Charitable Youth Association, is widely recognised for his work across global Islamic organisations. According to Mr Şahin, the cleric confirmed that the former Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe defender had maintained regular dialogue with religious scholars for several months prior to making his formal commitment.

During their delegation meeting in São Paulo, Sheikh Hammadeh revealed that Roberto Carlos visited him in person four weeks earlier. During that private encounter, the iconic left-back formally recited the Shahada—the Islamic declaration of faith—to officially enter the religion. The ceremony marked the culmination of an ongoing spiritual journey and sustained contact between the sportsman and local religious authorities in Brazil.

The former international, who enjoyed a glittering career across European and South American club football, already possessed personal connections to the Islamic world through his family life. He is married to Süheyla Tahiri, a Spanish businesswoman of Moroccan heritage. Despite the high-profile public announcement made by the Turkish parliamentarian, neither Roberto Carlos nor his official representatives have released an independent public statement regarding his faith.

Roberto Carlos remains one of the most decorated and revered figures in global sports history. Renowned for his thunderous free-kicks, explosive pace, and revolutionary attacking play from the left-back position, he earned 125 caps for the Brazilian national team 🇧🇷 and lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2002. At the club level, his most memorable era unfolded over an eleven-season tenure with Real Madrid 🇪🇸, during which he won three UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga championships. Turkish football enthusiasts also hold fond memories of his spell with Istanbul giants Fenerbahçe 🇹🇷 between 2007 and 2009, where his professional commitment and charismatic presence earned him enduring popularity among local supporters.