Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has reportedly embraced Islam in Brazil, according to Turkish lawmaker Ali Şahin.
Şahin, a member of Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), revealed the development after meeting representatives of Islamic organizations in São Paulo.
He said Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, a prominent member of Brazil’s Muslim community, informed him that Carlos had been in contact with him for some time.
According to Şahin, the former Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe star visited Hammadeh around four weeks ago and recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith.
“Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh shared the good news that Roberto Carlos, a legend of world and Brazilian football who also played for Fenerbahçe, had been in contact with him for a long time and visited him four weeks ago, where he recited the Shahada and embraced Islam,” Şahin said in a social media post.
The Turkish lawmaker also congratulated Carlos and wished him and his family “a life filled with peace, health and blessings.”
However, Carlos has yet to publicly confirm the reported conversion. Neither the former footballer nor his representatives have issued an official statement, meaning the claim remains unverified for now.
Şahin reportedly learned about the development during a meeting at the Islamic Charitable Youth League of Brazil in São Paulo, attended by representatives of several Islamic organizations.
Carlos, 53, is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. He rose to global fame during his time at Real Madrid, where he won several major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
He was also a key member of Brazil’s squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilian later joined Turkish side Fenerbahçe in 2007 and spent two seasons at the club.
The reports have also brought renewed attention to Carlos’ marriage to Moroccan-born football agent Suhayla Tahiri.
Tahiri is a FIFA-licensed players’ agent based in Spain and works in football management and representation. Reports suggest that the two initially met through a professional connection before their relationship became personal.
Recently resurfaced wedding photographs, however, do not confirm that Carlos has embraced Islam.
For now, the reported conversion is based on Hammadeh’s account, which was later shared publicly by Şahin. An official confirmation from Roberto Carlos is still awaited.
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