ISTANBUL: Reports have emerged claiming that legendary Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos has embraced Islam, although the former Real Madrid star has not officially confirmed the development.
The claim was shared by Turkish ruling party lawmaker Ali Şahin, who reportedly cited Sheikh Jihad Hamadeh, a prominent representative of Brazil’s Muslim community.
According to Şahin, during a meeting with representatives of the Muslim community in São Paulo, Sheikh Jihad said Roberto Carlos had been in contact with him for some time.
The former footballer allegedly visited him around four weeks ago, where he recited the Shahada (declaration of faith) and accepted Islam, according to the claim.
Şahin subsequently shared the information on social media, congratulating Roberto Carlos and praying for peace, health and prosperity for him and his family. Representatives of several Islamic organisations in Brazil were also reportedly present.
However, Roberto Carlos has yet to publicly confirm that he has converted to Islam, and the reports currently remain unverified.
The 53-year-old Roberto Carlos is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. He spent much of his illustrious career at Real Madrid and later joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 2007.
