Roberto Carlos calls Islam conversion reports 'untrue'
Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has denied widely circulated reports claiming he converted to Islam following his marriage to Moroccan football agent Souhaila El Tahiri, describing the claims as untrue while expressing deep respect for the religion.
Speaking to Saudi newspaper Okaz, the 53-year-old former Real Madrid defender addressed the speculation directly.
"I hold the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the rumours going around about my conversion to Islam are untrue."
The reports had claimed Carlos recited the Shahada around four weeks ago during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a prominent figure within Brazil's Muslim community.
The claims gained traction after Turkish lawmaker Ali Sahin, a member of parliament for the ruling Justice and Development Party, shared details of the alleged conversion on social media platform X.
Sahin said he had learned of the development during a visit to the Brazilian Charitable Union of Muslim Youth, where Hamada told him Carlos had been in contact for some time before visiting him to recite the Shahada and choose Islam.
Sahin subsequently congratulated the former Brazil international, wishing him and his family peace and blessings.
Images from Carlos's wedding celebrations, which appeared to show elements of an Islamic marriage ceremony, further fuelled the speculation once they began circulating widely on social media.
Carlos explained that he and El Tahiri had held their wedding across more than one ceremony specifically to accommodate the differing religious beliefs within their families.
"The celebration was held in more than one form. We were keen to hold a ceremony suited to the beliefs of the family members, as they are Catholics, alongside another ceremony suited to my wife and her Muslim friends."
I hold the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the rumours going around about my conversion to Islam are untrue.
Roberto Carlos, former Brazil footballer
He also shared details of how the relationship began, revealing that he and El Tahiri first met during a football-related business meeting and have been together for around two years, both personally and professionally.
El Tahiri is a FIFA-licensed football agent involved in managing players' careers and related projects.
Carlos remains regarded as one of the finest left backs in football history, having spent the most successful spell of his club career at Real Madrid and formed part of Brazil's World Cup winning squad in 2002.
He also holds strong ties to Turkish football, having played for Fenerbahce between 2007 and 2009.