Brazilian football legend and former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos reportedly converted to Islam in Brazil about four weeks ago, according to a Turkish lawmaker citing a prominent Muslim community leader. However, he, himself, has not publicly confirmed the reported conversion.
The claim was made public by Ali Şahin, a lawmaker from Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), following meetings with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community in São Paulo.
Şahin said Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community and vice president and religious adviser of the National Association of Islamic Jurists (ANAJI), told him that Carlos had been in contact with him for some time.
According to Şahin, Carlos visited Hammadeh about four weeks ago, recited the shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, and embraced Islam.
Şahin later shared the claim on social media and congratulated Carlos, wishing him and his family peace, health and prosperity.
Carlos, 53, is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest left backs. He spent much of his career at Real Madrid before joining Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 2007.
