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Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha (born 10th of April, 1973), often recognized as Roberto Carlos and sometimes RC3[note 1], is a former professional Brazilian footballer.[4] He has been described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game,"[5] and one of the greatest full-backs in history.[6][7][8] In 1997, he was runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2002, was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or. He is primarily known for his long career at Real Madrid and constant presence on the Brazilian national team.

Key Information

He started his career in Brazil as a forward but spent most of his career as a left-back. At club level, Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in 1996 to spend 11 highly successful seasons, playing 584 matches in all competitions and scoring 71 goals. At Real, he won four La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League three times. In April 2013, Marca named him in their "Best Foreign Eleven in Real Madrid's History".[9] He is one of the few players to have made over 1,100 professional career appearances at clubs and international levels.

Roberto Carlos made his debut for the Brazil national team in 1992. He played in three World Cups, helping the team reach the final in 1998 in France, and win the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. He was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1998 and 2002. With Brazil, he is especially known for a bending 40-yard free kick against France in the inaugural match of Tournoi de France 1997. With 125 caps, he has made the fourth-most appearances for his national team.[10] He was chosen for the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in a 2002 FIFA poll.

He took up management and was named as the manager of Sivasspor in the Turkish Süper Lig in June 2013.[11] He resigned as head coach in December 2014.[12] From January to June 2015, he was manager of Akhisarspor. Although he announced his retirement from playing at the age of 39 in 2012,[13] he briefly came out of retirement in 2015 when he was appointed player/manager of Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos.[14]

Club career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

I owe all clubs for which I worked, even to my little União São João, because we must never forget our origins. But I owe my coming to Spain to Atlético Mineiro, who gave me the opportunity to work on the team in 1992, a trip to the country. So I made a point to make it clear and I thank this important club for me to have opened the doors here in Europe.

—Roberto Carlos paying tribute in 2014 to the two Brazilian clubs whom he started his career with.[15]

Roberto Carlos began his professional career playing for União São João, a football club based in Araras in the state of São Paulo. In 1992, despite playing at what was seen as a lesser club and only being 19 years old, he was called up for the Brazil national team. In August 1992, aged 19, he joined Atlético Mineiro on loan and went on the club's tour of Europe.[16][17][18] The tour consisted of the B team, as the club was prioritising the first Copa CONMEBOL in South America at the same time. The tour served as a test for many players, and those who stood out could be integrated definitively to the main group. Roberto Carlos did not participate in the first two games in Italy but played the full match against Lleida in Spain on 27 August in a match for the Ciutat de Lleida Trophy. He remained in the team for the next two games, held in Logroño, against Logroñés and Athletic Bilbao. Before retiring from football in 2014, Roberto Carlos thanked Atlético Mineiro for the opportunity.[15]

In 1993, Roberto Carlos joined Palmeiras, where he played for two seasons, winning two consecutive Brazilian league titles. After almost signing for Aston Villa in 1995, Roberto Carlos chose a move to Inter Milan, in the Serie A, playing one season for the Nerazzurri. He scored a 30-yard free-kick on his debut in a 1–0 win over Vicenza[19] but his season at Inter was unsuccessful, with the club finishing seventh in Serie A.

In an interview with FourFourTwo in a May 2005 issue, Roberto Carlos said that the then-coach of Inter, Roy Hodgson, wanted him to play as a winger, but Roberto Carlos wanted to play as a left back. Roberto Carlos spoke to Inter owner Massimo Moratti "to see if he could sort things out and it soon became clear that the only solution was to leave".[20]

Real Madrid

[edit]

Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid in the year 1996 close season. When newly appointed manager Fabio Capello learned that Roberto Carlos had become transferable he barely could believe it, and he asked chairman Lorenzo Sanz to travel to Milan immediately. An agreement had been reached 24 hours later.[21] Roberto Carlos was given the number 3 shirt and held the position as the team's first choice left-back from the 1996–97 season until the 2006–07 season. During his 11 seasons with Madrid, he appeared in 584 matches in all competitions, scoring 71 goals. In January 2006, he became Real Madrid's most capped foreign-born player in La Liga with 370 appearances, breaking the previous record of 329 held by Alfredo Di Stéfano.[22] During his Real Madrid career, Roberto Carlos was, alongside Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini, considered the greatest left-back in the world.[23][24][25] As a high-profile player and one of the most influential members of the team,[26] Roberto Carlos was considered one of Madrid's Galácticos (which included Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham) during Florentino Pérez's first tenure as club president.[27]

Roberto Carlos can cover the entire [left] wing all on his own.

—Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque on Roberto Carlos having the ability to defend and attack the left side of the field by himself.[28]

He won four La Liga titles with Madrid, and played in the 1998, 2000 and 2002 UEFA Champions League finals, assisting Zinedine Zidane's winning goal in 2002, considered one of the greatest goals in Champions League history.[29][30] Roberto Carlos was named as Club Defender of the Year and included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2002 and 2003. In the later part of his Real Madrid career, Roberto Carlos was named as one of the club's "three captains" alongside Raúl and Guti.[31] Renowned for getting forward from his left-back position and scoring spectacular goals, in February 1998, he scored arguably his most memorable goal for Real Madrid with a bending volley struck with the outside of his left foot from near the sideline in a Copa del Rey match against Tenerife in what was described as an "impossible goal".[32]

On the final day of the 2002–03 season, with Madrid needing to beat Athletic Bilbao to overtake Real Sociedad and win their 29th La Liga title, Roberto Carlos scored from a free-kick in the second minute of first half stoppage time to put los Blancos 2–1 ahead.[33] The team eventually ran out 3–1 winners to wrap up the title.[33] On 6 December 2003, Roberto Carlos scored the opening goal for Madrid as they beat Barcelona in El Clásico at Camp Nou for the first time in a La Liga match in 20 years.[34]

In March 2007, in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Bayern Munich, Roberto Carlos failed to control the backpass when Madrid kicked off, allowing Bayern's Hasan Salihamidžić to steal the ball and feed to Roy Makaay, who scored the quickest goal in Champions League history at 10.12 seconds.[35] Roberto Carlos bore the brunt of criticism for that mistake which led to the team's elimination from the Champions League, and, on 9 March 2007, he announced he would leave Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2006–07 season.[36] His final goal for Real Madrid was a stoppage time winner against Recreativo de Huelva with three games remaining in the 2006–07 La Liga season.[37] The goal proved to be crucial to Real Madrid winning its 30th league title as they eventually finished level on points with Barcelona, becoming champions via the head-to-head rule. Madrid clinched La Liga in Roberto Carlos's final match, a 3–1 win over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.[38]

Fenerbahçe

[edit]
Roberto Carlos with Fenerbahçe in 2007

On 19 June 2007, Roberto Carlos signed a two-year contract (with one year optional) with the Turkish Süper Lig champions Fenerbahçe; he was presented at the club's home ground, the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, in front of thousands of fans.[39][40] In the first official match he played with the team, Fenerbahçe won the Turkish Super Cup against Beşiktaş by a score of 2–1. During a league match against Sivasspor, he scored his first goal for Fenerbahçe on 25 August 2007 from a diving header, which was only the third headed goal of his career. He was injured during the final period of the same season and missed the title race between Fenerbahçe and rivals Galatasaray.[41] His team eventually lost the title to their rivals, while guaranteeing a place for themselves in Champions League knockouts for the next season. He announced that he was unhappy about the final result and would do his best to carry the domestic trophy back to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.[42]

On 7 October 2009, Roberto Carlos announced that he would leave Fenerbahçe when his contract expired in December 2009. He offered to return to Real Madrid and play for free, though he also said return to the Brazilian domestic leagues was a possibility,[43] and announced his departure on 25 November. He made his last appearance for Fenerbahçe on 17 December, as a late substitute against Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Europa League.[44]

Corinthians

[edit]

After 15 years away from Brazil, Roberto Carlos returned to his country in 2010 to play for Corinthians, joining his friend and former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo. On 4 June 2010, Roberto Carlos scored a goal against Internacional and helped Corinthians to move to the top of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A table. The Timão won the game 2–0.[45] On 16 January 2011, Roberto Carlos scored an impressive goal directly from a corner kick against Portuguesa. Concerned with his safety after being threatened by fans after the Copa Libertadores da América defeat to Colombian club Tolima, Roberto Carlos requested his release by the club, which was promptly facilitated by Corinthians.[46]

Anzhi Makhachkala

[edit]
Roberto Carlos in August 2011

On 12 February 2011, after being heavily linked with a move to Notts County, Roberto Carlos signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala,[47] worth approximately €10 million.[48] Playing in a defensive midfield position, Roberto Carlos was named captain of Anzhi on 8 March. On 25 April, he scored his first goal for Anzhi in a 2–2 draw with Dynamo Moscow, converting a 58th minute penalty.[49] On 30 April, he scored his second goal, converting a penalty in a 1–0 win over Rostov, and on 10 June, he then scored his third goal on a 20th minute in a 2–0 win over Spartak Nalchik.

On 11 September 2011, Roberto Carlos scored his fourth goal in a 2–1 win over Volga Nizhny Novgorod. As of his first season for Anzhi, Roberto Carlos made 28 appearances and scored five goals. On 30 September, he became the caretaker coach of Anzhi following the sacking of Gadzhi Gadzhiyev, before Andrei Gordeyev assumed the role also in a caretaker capacity.[50] Roberto Carlos announced his plans to retire at the end of 2012, but continued to work behind the scenes at Anzhi.[51] In August 2012, Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink confirmed his retirement at a news conference in Moscow, also stating, "Roberto was a world class football player. Every master's career ends at some point."[13]

Cases in Russia

[edit]

In March 2011, during a game away at Zenit Saint Petersburg, a banana was held near Carlos by one of the fans as the footballer was taking part in a flag-raising ceremony.[52] In June, in a match away at Krylia Sovetov Samara, Roberto Carlos received a pass from the goalkeeper and was about to pass it when a banana was thrown onto the pitch, landing nearby. Carlos picked it up and threw it by the sidelines, walking off the field before the final whistle and raising two fingers at the stands, indicating this was the second such incident since March.[53][54]

Delhi Dynamos

[edit]

He ended his professional playing career with a spell as player-manager of Delhi Dynamos of the Indian Super League.[55]

International career

[edit]
Roberto Carlos in 2006 with the Brazil national team

Roberto Carlos amassed 125 appearances, scoring 11 goals for the Brazilian national team.[56] He represented Brazil at three FIFA World Cups, four Copa América tournaments, the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games.

Early senior career

[edit]
Roberto Carlos's 'banana shot' from 40 yards out against France in 1997 Tournoi de France[57]

On 26 March 1992, Roberto Carlos debuted for the Brazilian senior team in a 3–0 friendly victory against the United States.[58] He is especially famous for a bending 40-yard free kick against France in the inaugural match of Tournoi de France 1997 on 3 June 1997. The ball curled so much that the ball boy ten yards to the right ducked instinctively, thinking that the ball would hit him.[57] Instead, much to the surprise of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez – who just stood in place – it curled back on target. This particular attempt has been considered to be the greatest free kick of all time.[59][60] In 2010, a team of French scientists produced a paper explaining the trajectory of the ball.[61]

At the 1998 World Cup, he played seven matches, including the final loss to France. After a qualifying game for the 2002 World Cup which was held in South Korea/Japan, Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert spat on Roberto Carlos, an action which caused FIFA to give Chilavert a three-match suspension and forced him to watch the first game of the World Cup from the stands. Roberto Carlos played six matches in the finals, scoring a goal from a free-kick against China, and was a starter in the final against Germany, with Brazil winning 2–0. After the tournament, he was also included in the World Cup All-Star Team.[62] Roberto Carlos later referred to the 2002 World Cup winning team as a "band of brothers together", and mentioned that the squad had a WhatsApp group and still talked regularly.[63]

2006 FIFA World Cup, retirement, and desire to return

[edit]

Roberto Carlos' next international tournament was the 2006 World Cup. In July 2006, after Brazil's 1–0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals, he announced his retirement from the national team, saying: "I've stopped with the national team. It was my last game."[64] He said he no longer wanted to play for Brazil because of the criticism he faced from fans and Brazilian media for his failure to mark goalscorer Thierry Henry on France's winning goal.[65]

Upon signing with Corinthians in January 2010, Roberto Carlos told TV Globo that he hoped to play at the 2010 World Cup and believed his return to Brazilian football may help him return to the national team, as manager Dunga had yet to settle on a left-back.[65] However, he was left off the 30-man provisional squad that was submitted to FIFA on 11 May 2010, along with Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.[66] Despite his deep desire to do so, Roberto Carlos was ultimately not named in Dunga's final 23-man squad for the Brazil at the World Cup. Instead, newcomer Michel Bastos earned a spot for the left-back position.[67]

Style of play

[edit]
Roberto Carlos in 2011

Tactically, Roberto Carlos started out playing football in Brazil as a forward – usually as a centre-forward or outside forward – but spent most of his career as defender, usually as a left-sided full-back or wing-back. In 2006, he was described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game", by John Carlin of The New York Times;[5][68][69] indeed, he was known for his forward surging runs throughout his career.[70] Roberto Carlos is also widely considered by several pundits as one of the best left backs in the history of the sport.[71][72][69][73][74] During his time at Inter, he was also used out of position as a winger in a 4–4–2 formation on occasion by manager Roy Hodgson, which had a negative impact on his performances, and often saw him caught out defensively;[20][75] in his later career with Anzhi Makhachkala, he was instead deployed as a defensive midfielder in a three-man midfield, in order to compensate for his loss of pace and physical decline due to his advancing age.[70]

Roberto Carlos was nicknamed El Hombre Bala ("The Bullet Man") throughout his career, due to his powerful bending shots and free kicks, which have been measured at over 105 miles per hour (169 km/h),[26] and for which he became renowned. A set-piece specialist, he is regarded as one of the foremost free kick takers of his generation, and was known for being capable of striking the ball powerfully – in particular from long range – and of producing curling shots with the outside of his left boot in dead ball situations.[68][76][77][78][79][80][81] A talented and consistent player, with good dribbling skills at speed, as well as precise passing and crossing ability, he also possessed significant strength and excellent physical qualities, which along with his pace, work-rate, and energy, allowed him to cover the left flank effectively and assist at both ends of the pitch.[81][82] While he earned a reputation as a hard-tackler, he was also known for being a clean player throughout his career.[81][83][84] In addition to his stamina, running speed, technical skills, and crossing ability,[85][86][87] he was also known for his long throw ins, as well as his strong 24-inch (61 cm) thighs, despite his small stature, which allowed him to accelerate quickly and strike the ball powerfully.[26][88]

Media

[edit]
Roberto Carlos speaking with Real Madrid TV in 2021

Roberto Carlos has appeared in commercials for the sportswear company Nike.[89][90] In 1998, he starred in a Nike commercial set in an airport in the buildup to the 1998 World Cup alongside a number of stars from the Brazil national team, including Ronaldo and Romário.[89] In a Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, Roberto Carlos starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scopion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside other star footballers, including Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo and the Japanese Hidetoshi Nakata, with former player Eric Cantona the tournament's "referee".[91][92]

Roberto Carlos has also starred in Pepsi commercials, including a 2002 World Cup Pepsi advertisement where he lined up alongside David Beckham, Raúl and Gianluigi Buffon in taking on a team of Sumo players.[93]

Roberto Carlos features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was selected to appear on the cover of FIFA Football 2003 alongside Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs and Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids.[94] He was named in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 15.[95] In 2015, the arcade game company Konami announced that Roberto Carlos would feature in their football video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 as one of the new myClub Legends.[96]

In 2016, Roberto Carlos launched a software called Ginga Scout that connects players with coaches across the globe.[97] In April 2018, Carlos was announced as ambassador of Morocco's candidature of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[98]

In June 2022, Roberto Carlos co-hosted (alongside Ronaldinho) an exhibition match in Miami including both current and retired players called "The Beautiful Game by R10 and RC3". Roberto Carlos' team won the match 12–10.[2][3] A rematch was held in Orlando on June 23, 2023, which was suspended after about an hour of game time due to rain and pitch invasions.[99] The score of the second match ended 4-3 for Ronaldinho's team.

Charity

[edit]

On 16 June 2019, Roberto Carlos took part in Soccer Aid at Stamford Bridge, London.[100] He played for the World XI team which was captained by Usain Bolt and they beat the England XI on penalties.[101]

In 2019, Roberto Carlos became the global ambassador of the international children's social programme Football for Friendship. Carlos attended programme's Forum and awarded the winners.[102]

In January 2022, Bull In The Barne United, an English Sunday League pub team, won a raffle meaning that Roberto Carlos would play for them in a one-off friendly. The Shrewsbury-based side play in Division One of the Shrewsbury & District Sunday League and paid just £5 to enter the eBay raffle.[103] On 4 March 2022, Roberto Carlos made a goalscoring debut for Bull In The Barne United during a 4–3 defeat to Harlescott Rangers in a friendly match at Hanwood.[104]

On 23 February 2024, Roberto Carlos took part in the Match4Hope. He played for Team Chunkz, alongside Eden Hazard, David Villa, and various media personalities, against Team AboFlah.[105] Roberto Carlos played for the starting 8 minutes only, before being substituted.

Managerial career

[edit]

Anzhi Makhachkala

[edit]
Roberto Carlos coaching Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012

Roberto Carlos had a brief spell as interim manager at Anzhi Makhachkala in early 2012. He later criticised the club upon resigning alongside manager Guus Hiddink.[106]

Sivasspor

[edit]

Roberto Carlos was appointed manager of Turkish Süper Lig team Sivasspor in June 2013.[107] On 21 December 2014, he left the club following a defeat to İstanbul BB.[108]

Akhisarspor

[edit]

On 2 January 2015, Carlos was appointed as manager of Akhisarspor.[109]

Delhi Dynamos

[edit]

After finishing his season in Turkey, Roberto Carlos signed for Al-Arabi of the Qatari Stars League, but due to talks breaking down, he did not join the Qatari club.[110] Then, on 5 July 2015, it was announced that he had signed to be the head coach of the Delhi Dynamos of the Indian Super League for the 2015 season.[111]

At the end of the season, it was announced that he would not return to Delhi Dynamos in 2016.[112]

Doping accusations

[edit]

In 2017, a report of investigative journalists of German broadcasting station ARD revealed doping practices in Brazil, including physician Júlio César Alves who claims to have treated Carlos for many years. Carlos denies the allegations.[113][114]

Personal life

[edit]

Roberto Carlos was born in Garça, São Paulo, on 10 April 1973 to Oscar and Vera Lucia da Silva.[115]

On 24 June 2005, Roberto Carlos was robbed by two gunmen while doing a live radio interview. He was not hurt but they took his watch and the interviewer's cellular phone.[116]

On 2 August 2005, he was naturalised as a Spanish citizen. This proved important for Real Madrid, as it meant that he now counted as a European Union player, opening up one of the club's allowed three slots for non-EU players and enabling Real Madrid to sign fellow Brazilian Robinho.[117]

For his 38th birthday, it was reported that Anzhi Makhachkala owner Suleyman Kerimov bought him a Bugatti Veyron.[118]

Roberto Carlos has 11 children with 7 women.[119] In October 2017, he became a grandfather when his daughter Giovanna gave birth to a son.[120]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[citation needed][121][122][123][124][125][citation needed]
Club Season League National cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
União São João 1991 Série B – – – 24[a] 1 24 1
1992 Série B 21 3 – – 21[b] 1 42 4
Total 21 3 – – 45 2 66 5
Palmeiras 1993 Série A 20 1 5 0 – 40[c][d] 5[e] 65 6
1994 Série A 24 2 3 0 6 1 27[f] 0 60 3
1995 Série A 0 0 4 1 10 3 23[g] 3 37 7
Total 44 3 12 1 16 4 90 8 162 16
Inter Milan 1995–96 Serie A 30 5 2 1 2 1 – 34 7
Real Madrid 1996–97 La Liga 37 5 5 0 – – 42 5
1997–98 La Liga 35 4 1 1 9 2 2[h] 0 47 7
1998–99 La Liga 35 5 4 0 8 0 2[i] 0 49 5
1999–2000 La Liga 35 4 3 0 17 4 3[j] 0 58 8
2000–01 La Liga 36 5 0 0 14 4 2[k] 1 52 10
2001–02 La Liga 31 3 6 1 13 2 2[l] 0 52 5
2002–03 La Liga 37 5 1 0 15 1 2[m] 1 55 7
2003–04 La Liga 32 5 7 1 8 2 2[n] 0 49 9
2004–05 La Liga 34 3 2 0 10[o] 1 – 46 4
2005–06 La Liga 35 5 3 1 7 0 – 45 6
2006–07 La Liga 23 3 1 0 8 0 – 32 3
Total 370 47 33 4 109 16 15 2 527 69
Fenerbahçe 2007–08 Süper Lig 22 2 3 0 9 0 1[p] 0 35 2
2008–09 Süper Lig 32 4 8 2 10 1 – 50 7
2009–10 Süper Lig 11 0 0 0 8 1 – 19 1
Total 65 6 11 2 27 2 1 0 104 10
Corinthians 2010 Série A 35 1 – 8 0 14[q] 3 57 4
2011 Série A 0 0 – 1 0 3[r] 1 4 1
Total 35 1 0 0 9 0 17 4 61 5
Anzhi 2011–12 Russian Premier League 25 4 3 1 – – 28 5
Delhi Dynamos 2015 Indian Super League 3 0 – – – 3 0
Career total 593 69 61 9 163 23 168 16 985 117
  1. ^ 1991 Campeonato Paulista
  2. ^ 1992 Campeonato Paulista
  3. ^ 1993 Torneio Rio – São Paulo
  4. ^ 1993 Campeonato Paulista
  5. ^ 1993 Campeonato Paulista
  6. ^ 1994 Campeonato Paulista
  7. ^ 1995 Campeonato Paulista
  8. ^ Supercopa de España
  9. ^ UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
  10. ^ FIFA Club World Cup
  11. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance, one goal in Intercontinental Cup
  12. ^ Supercopa de España
  13. ^ One appearance, one goal in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in Intercontinental Cup
  14. ^ Supercopa de España
  15. ^ Two appearances in 2004–05 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds
  16. ^ Turkish Super Cup
  17. ^ 2010 Campeonato Paulista
  18. ^ 2011 Campeonato Paulista

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[126]
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 1992 7 0
1993 5 0
1994 7 0
1995 13 1
1996 4 0
1997 18 1
1998 10 0
1999 13 2
2000 9 0
2001 7 1
2002 11 1
2003 5 1
2004 12 0
2005 9 3
2006 6 0
Total 125 10
Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Carlos goal.
List of international goals scored by Roberto Carlos
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 6 June 1995 Goodison Park, Liverpool, England  Japan 3–0 3–0 Umbro Cup
2 3 June 1997 Stade de Gerland, Lyon, France  France 1–0 1–1 1997 Tournoi de France
3 26 June 1999 Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, Brazil  Latvia 2–0 3–0 International friendly
4 9 October 1999 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Netherlands 1–0 2–2 International friendly
5 9 August 2001 Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, Brazil  Panama 5–0 5–0 International friendly
6 8 June 2002 Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo, South Korea  China 1–0 4–0 2002 FIFA World Cup
7 12 October 2003 Walkers Stadium, Leicester, England  Jamaica 1–0 1–0 International friendly
8 9 February 2005 Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, Hong Kong  Hong Kong 2–0 7–1 2005 Carlsberg Cup
9 8 June 2005 El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina  Argentina 1–3 1–3 2006 World Cup qualifying
10 12 October 2005 Mangueirão, Belém, Brazil  Venezuela 2–0 3–0 2006 World Cup qualifying

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of 20 December 2015
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Sivasspor 3 June 2013 21 December 2014 59 23 9 27 90 94 −4 038.98
Akhisar Belediyespor 11 January 2015 1 June 2015 20 5 7 8 25 28 −3 025.00
Delhi Dynamos 3 July 2015 20 December 2015 16 7 4 5 19 23 −4 043.75
Career totals 95 35 20 40 134 145 −11 036.84

Honours

[edit]

Palmeiras

Real Madrid

Fenerbahçe

Brazil U23

Brazil

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Roberto Carlos

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha (born 10 April 1973) is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played primarily as a left-back, renowned for his explosive pace, powerful left-footed shots, and crossing ability that revolutionized the position.[1][2] Born in Garça, São Paulo state, Brazil, Roberto Carlos began his career with União São João before moving to Atlético Mineiro and Palmeiras, where he won two consecutive Brazilian league titles in 1993 and 1994.[3][4] In 1995, he transferred to Inter Milan in Italy, helping the team reach the 1997 UEFA Cup final, though they lost to Schalke 04. His career peaked during an 11-year stint at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, where he made 527 appearances, scored 68 goals, and became a key part of the club's Galácticos era alongside stars like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.[5] With Real Madrid, he secured 4 La Liga titles (1997, 2001, 2003, 2007), 3 UEFA Champions League trophies (1998, 2000, 2002), 2 Intercontinental Cups (1998, 2002), and 2 UEFA Super Cups (2000, 2002). Later, he played for Fenerbahçe in Turkey (2007–2011), winning 3 Turkish Super Lig titles (2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11), before ending his playing career at Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia in 2012. Internationally, Roberto Carlos represented Brazil from 1992 to 2006, earning 125 caps and scoring 11 goals.[2] He was instrumental in the 2002 FIFA World Cup victory, starting all matches and providing defensive solidity en route to the final win over Germany.[4] His international honors include 2 Copa América titles (1997, 1999), the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, and runner-up finishes at the 1998 World Cup. One of his most iconic moments was a stunning 35-yard free kick against France in the 1997 Tournoi de France, which curved dramatically due to the Magnus effect and remains a benchmark for set-piece artistry.[6] After retiring, Roberto Carlos has served as a coach for clubs in Russia, Turkey, and India, and currently works as an ambassador for Real Madrid and FIFA, promoting football development worldwide.[5][7]

Early life

Family background

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha was born on April 10, 1973, in the small town of Garça, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.[8] He was the youngest of four children in a working-class family, with three sisters.[9] His parents, Oscar da Silva, who worked as a factory worker or on a local coffee plantation, and Vera Lúcia da Silva, provided a humble upbringing marked by financial hardships typical of rural Brazil in the 1970s and 1980s.[5][8] The family faced economic challenges, including limited resources, which required young Roberto Carlos to contribute by working at a textile factory starting at age 12 to help support the household.[8] These circumstances instilled a strong sense of determination in him, shaping his relentless drive to succeed through football as a means to overcome poverty.[8] From an early age, Roberto Carlos's family recognized and nurtured his passion for the sport, with his father playing a pivotal role in encouraging his development.[5] Oscar da Silva, an avid supporter of local football, introduced his son to the game and motivated him to pursue it despite the family's modest means, fostering the skills that would later define his career.[8] This parental support was instrumental in guiding Roberto Carlos through his formative years in Garça, where community games and family encouragement laid the foundation for his future achievements.[5]

Introduction to football

Roberto Carlos's introduction to organized football came at the age of 12 in his hometown of Garça, São Paulo, where he joined a local amateur team coached by his father, playing alongside him and displaying his natural left-footed talent from the outset.[10] This early exposure, supported by family encouragement during his childhood, allowed him to develop basic skills on makeshift fields while balancing factory work to help his family.[11] In 1985, at age 12, he began competing more formally with the local club Atlético Juventus in Garça, where his speed and powerful left-footed shots began to stand out in regional youth matches.[11] These experiences in small-town tournaments honed his explosive pace and shooting ability, attributes that would define his style, as he learned to channel his physical energy into precise, forceful play. By 1988, at the age of 15, Roberto Carlos joined the youth academy of União São João in Araras, São Paulo, progressing rapidly through the age groups and excelling in defensive and attacking drills.[5] Initially positioned as a forward due to his goal-scoring instincts, he transitioned to left-back during this period, a shift influenced by his physical growth—which enhanced his stamina and defensive reach—and coaching advice that emphasized his overlapping runs and crossing precision.[5] Key guidance came from youth coach José Maria Falcão at União São João, who recognized Carlos's potential and focused training on balancing his offensive flair with defensive responsibilities, further refining his renowned speed and shot power through targeted drills and local youth competitions.[5] These formative years solidified his technical foundation before his professional breakthrough.

Club career

Early career in Brazil and Italy

Roberto Carlos began his professional career with União São João in 1991 at the age of 18, initially playing as a forward in Brazil's Série B.[12] During his two seasons with the club based in Araras, São Paulo, he honed his skills in the second division, showcasing explosive pace and shooting ability that marked his early potential.[5] After União São João, he had a brief loan to Atlético Mineiro in 1992 before joining Palmeiras in 1993.[3] At Palmeiras, a prominent Série A club, he spent two seasons and contributed to their success in winning consecutive Brazilian league titles in 1993 and 1994.[13] Over this period, Roberto Carlos made 56 appearances in the Série A, scoring 3 goals, while his powerful shots earned him the nickname "The Bullet" among fans and teammates.[14] His performances in these championships helped solidify his reputation as a dynamic attacker in Brazilian football.[3] Seeking opportunities in Europe, Roberto Carlos joined Inter Milan in 1995 for a transfer fee of approximately $7 million.[15] In his sole season with the Nerazzurri, he appeared in 30 Serie A matches, scoring 5 goals, primarily deployed as a left winger or forward.[16] However, he faced significant adaptation challenges, including the tactical discipline and physical intensity of Italian football, language barriers that hindered communication, and an initial reluctance from coach Roy Hodgson to position him as a full-back, leading to positional mismatches that limited his effectiveness.[17][18] These difficulties marked a transitional phase before his eventual shift to a more natural defensive role.

Real Madrid

Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in July 1996 for a transfer fee of €6 million, marking a pivotal move after a challenging debut season in European football.[19] He quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back under manager Fabio Capello, contributing to the club's attacking flair during the early stages of the Galácticos era, where high-profile signings transformed Real Madrid into a global powerhouse.[20] His explosive pace, precise crossing, and powerful shooting made an immediate impact, as he helped the team secure their first La Liga title in the 1996–97 season.[21] Over his 11-year tenure from 1996 to 2007, Roberto Carlos made 527 appearances and scored 69 goals across all competitions, becoming the club's most-capped foreign player.[5] Renowned for his set-piece expertise, he delivered numerous memorable free-kicks, including a stunning volley from an acute angle against Tenerife in the 1997–98 Copa del Rey that defied physics and showcased his technical brilliance.[22] His contributions extended beyond defense, with 69 goals highlighting his offensive threat from the left flank, often overlapping to support attacks in a way that redefined the full-back role.[23] Roberto Carlos was instrumental in Real Madrid's golden era, winning four La Liga titles in 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03, and 2006–07, as well as three UEFA Champions League trophies in 1997–98, 1999–2000, and 2001–02.[21] He also claimed two Intercontinental Cups in 1998 and 2002, solidifying the club's dominance in both domestic and international arenas.[5] These successes were bolstered by his key partnerships with midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane and striker Ronaldo Nazário, forming a telepathic understanding on the left side that produced fluid, goal-scoring moves, such as the sequence in a 2003 La Liga match where his pass to Zidane set up Ronaldo's finish.[24] One of his most iconic moments came in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where Roberto Carlos delivered a precise cross from the left that Zidane volleyed into the net for the winning goal in a 2–1 victory, securing Real Madrid's ninth European Cup.[25] This assist epitomized his role in the team's triumphant campaign, blending defensive solidity with creative flair during the height of the Galácticos project.[26]

Fenerbahçe

After leaving Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos signed a free transfer to Fenerbahçe in July 2007 at the age of 34, seeking a new challenge in the Turkish Süper Lig. His arrival was a major coup for the club, leveraging the longevity and fitness honed during his illustrious career in Spain to provide veteran leadership on the left flank.[27] As player-captain, he quickly integrated into the squad, debuting in the Turkish Super Cup where Fenerbahçe defeated rivals Beşiktaş 2–1 on August 12, 2007.[28] Over his two-and-a-half seasons with Fenerbahçe from 2007 to 2010, Roberto Carlos made 104 appearances across all competitions and scored 10 goals, often delivering precise set-pieces that became a hallmark of his contribution.[23] He played a pivotal role in the club's domestic successes, including the 2007 and 2011 Turkish Super Cup titles, as well as the 2010–11 Süper Lig championship and the 2010–11 Turkish Cup, where his experience helped stabilize the defense during a competitive season.[29] Key moments included a stunning free-kick goal against arch-rivals Galatasaray in the 2008–09 Süper Lig, which electrified the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium and underscored his enduring attacking threat from dead balls.[30] In Europe, he contributed to Fenerbahçe's run to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2009–10, featuring in matches against teams like Sheriff Tiraspol and Twente before a narrow exit to Liverpool.[31] Despite these highlights, Roberto Carlos faced challenges adapting to the more physical and intense nature of Turkish football, where defensive demands tested his positioning at age 35 and beyond. Occasional injuries, including a lengthy lay-off in 2008, limited his availability and drew some criticism for lapses in marking during high-stakes derbies.[32][27] Nevertheless, his leadership inspired younger teammates, fostering a winning mentality that propelled Fenerbahçe to consistent top-tier contention in a league known for its fervent atmosphere.

Return to Brazil and Russia

After leaving Fenerbahçe, Roberto Carlos returned to Brazil on a free transfer to join Corinthians in January 2010, marking an emotional homecoming after 15 years playing abroad since his departure for Inter Milan in 1995.[33] During his 11-month stint with the club, he made 61 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists, primarily contributing as a left-back in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Libertadores.[34] His performances helped Corinthians secure a third-place finish in the 2010 Série A; in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, Corinthians finished third in their group and did not advance to the knockout stages. In February 2011, Roberto Carlos moved to Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala on a free transfer from Corinthians, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth €10 million annually, which positioned him as one of the highest-paid players in world football at the time and was motivated by the club's ambitious project backed by Dagestani billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.[35][36] Over the next 18 months, he featured in 28 Russian Premier League matches, netting 5 goals, while adapting to the league's physical demands and the harsh Dagestani climate despite initial challenges.[37] In the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League group stage, he made 6 appearances as Anzhi topped their group alongside teams like Udinese and AZ Alkmaar, showcasing his experience in European competition before the club's internal shifts began to emerge.[38] Roberto Carlos announced his retirement from professional football in August 2012 at age 39, shortly after his Anzhi contract expired, transitioning immediately into a director role at the club to contribute to its ongoing development.[39]

Indian Super League stint

In July 2015, at the age of 42, Roberto Carlos returned from retirement to join Delhi Dynamos as player-manager for the second season of the Indian Super League, bringing his experience from previous coaching roles at clubs like Anzhi Makhachkala.[40] Carlos made three appearances during the regular season, totaling 140 minutes primarily as a substitute from his left-back position, without scoring any goals or providing assists.[41][42] His limited playing time reflected the physical demands of competing at an elite level after a three-year hiatus, though he noted feeling good on the pitch despite acknowledging a decline in his peak quality.[43][44] In his managerial capacity, Carlos emphasized mentoring the team's young Indian talents, focusing on imparting advanced techniques, enhancing skills, and boosting fitness to elevate their performance in the developmental league.[45][44] Delhi Dynamos finished fourth in the eight-team standings with seven wins, four draws, and five losses, securing a playoff spot before losing to FC Goa in the semi-finals.[42] Carlos played his final professional match in November 2015, a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC, after which he retired from playing at the end of the season in December 2015, transitioning fully to coaching while highlighting the ISL's role in advancing global football standards in India.[42][40] He expressed enjoyment in the shift toward mentorship, viewing it as a rewarding way to contribute beyond his physical limits on the field.[43][44]

International career

Youth and debut

Roberto Carlos began his international career with Brazil's youth teams, notably featuring in the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Portugal. As a left-back, he contributed to the team's runner-up finish, losing the final to the hosts on penalties after a 0–0 draw, and his displays showcased his remarkable speed and ability to deliver accurate crosses from the flank.[46] His strong performances at club level with Palmeiras earned him a call-up to the senior national team under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Roberto Carlos made his senior debut on February 26, 1992, starting in a 3–0 friendly win against the United States in Los Angeles.[47] In 1993, he was part of Brazil's squad for the Copa América in Ecuador, where he appeared in all four of the team's matches, including the three group stage games—a 0–0 draw with Peru, a 3–0 victory over Paraguay, and a 1–1 draw with Bolivia—and the quarterfinal 0–1 loss to Argentina. Although Brazil exited in the quarterfinals, these early appearances helped solidify his role.[48] Roberto Carlos continued to feature in major tournaments, playing in the 1995 Copa América where Brazil finished third, the 1996 Summer Olympics where the team won silver, the victorious 1997 Copa América (3–1 final win over Bolivia), and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup title (4–1 final over Australia). By 1998, Roberto Carlos had become the established left-back for the Seleção, known for his attacking contributions from defense. He also participated in the 2004 Copa América, where Brazil reached the final but lost 0–2 to Argentina. Throughout his international tenure, Roberto Carlos accumulated 125 caps for Brazil, scoring 11 goals, the majority from powerful set pieces and free kicks that became his trademark.

1998 and 2002 World Cups

Roberto Carlos played a key role in Brazil's campaign at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, featuring in all seven matches as the team advanced to the final.[49] Despite his consistent performances at left-back, Brazil suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts France in the final, finishing as runners-up.[49] He recorded no goals during the tournament but contributed defensively and in set pieces, earning selection to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for his efforts.[50] In the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, Roberto Carlos appeared in six of Brazil's seven matches, missing only the group-stage game against Costa Rica due to suspension.[49] He scored his sole goal of the tournament with a powerful 35-yard free kick in a 4-0 group-stage victory over China on June 8. As a vital part of the defense, he partnered with right-back Cafu to provide width and solidity, enabling attacking support for forwards like Ronaldo, and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 final win against Germany, securing Brazil's fifth World Cup title.[51] His contributions once again led to inclusion in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.[50] Across the 1998 and 2002 tournaments, Roberto Carlos made 13 appearances for Brazil, scoring one goal, and was instrumental in the team's progression to the final in 1998 and championship success in 2002.[49] His defensive partnerships, particularly with Cafu on the flanks and in protecting Ronaldo's forward runs, underscored Brazil's balanced 3-5-2 formation that emphasized flair and resilience.[51] That year, he finished as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, behind teammate Ronaldo.[52]

2006 World Cup and retirement

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany, Roberto Carlos featured prominently for Brazil, who entered as one of the pre-tournament favorites. He started all five of the team's matches, including the group-stage victories over Croatia (1–0), Australia (2–0), and Japan (4–1), the round-of-16 win over Ghana (3–0), and the quarter-final defeat to France (0–1). Brazil advanced from Group F but were eliminated in the last eight, with Thierry Henry's 57th-minute goal proving decisive after a counter-attack.[53][54] Carlos faced criticism for defensive lapses during the tournament, particularly in the loss to France, where he was faulted for not tracking Henry's run effectively, allowing the forward space to score. Despite his attacking contributions remaining a strength, observers noted a decline in his recovery speed at age 33, contributing to broader concerns about Brazil's aging backline. Carlos himself denied sole responsibility for the elimination, emphasizing the collective nature of the error.[55][56] Just two days after the quarter-final exit, on July 3, 2006, Roberto Carlos announced his retirement from international duty, a decision he claimed predated the World Cup. Citing physical fatigue after 15 years of service to the Seleção—marked by intense schedules at club and international levels—he stated it was time to make way for younger players. By retirement, he had amassed 125 caps and scored 11 goals for Brazil, records that highlighted his longevity.[57][58][59] In early 2010, amid a strong resurgence with Corinthians in Brazil's domestic league, Carlos publicly expressed regret over his premature exit from the national team and voiced willingness to unretire if coach Dunga deemed him fit for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa. However, no recall materialized, as Brazil prioritized emerging talents at left-back, and Carlos remained focused on club football.[60] Roberto Carlos's international career concluded with him cemented as Brazil's most-capped left-back, a testament to his transformative influence on the role through sustained excellence over more than a decade.[59]

Legacy

Playing style

Roberto Carlos was renowned for revolutionizing the left-back position through his blend of explosive attacking contributions and solid defensive foundations, making him one of the most dynamic full-backs in football history.[61] His style emphasized relentless forward surges, precise delivery from wide areas, and a powerful left foot that terrorized defenses, all while maintaining positional discipline learned during his time in Europe.[62] In attack, Roberto Carlos excelled with overlapping runs that stretched opposing defenses, allowing him to deliver accurate crosses aimed at the near post, far post, or gaps between defenders and the goalkeeper.[61] He frequently combined with midfielders for quick one-twos before whipping in low or driven crosses, supporting forwards like Ronaldo and Raúl with assists that felt as rewarding as goals themselves.[61] His free-kick expertise was legendary, with shots reaching speeds of up to 137 km/h, often struck with the outside of his left foot to generate swerve and power that overwhelmed goalkeepers.[63] From a defensive role, he netted 71 goals during his Real Madrid tenure alone, underscoring his offensive threat.[23] Defensively, despite his origins as a forward, Roberto Carlos adapted effectively with strong tackling and recovery speed to intercept plays high up the pitch.[64] At 1.68 m tall, he compensated for his height with timing and leaping ability in aerial duels, often winning headers through positioning rather than raw stature.[2] Physically, Roberto Carlos possessed elite stamina, covering extensive ground—typically 10-12 km per match—as a box-to-box full-back, enabling sustained high-intensity runs.[65] His agility, acceleration, and dominant left foot fueled his pace, earning him acclaim for explosive sprints that defined his marauding presence on the flank.[61] His approach fused Brazilian flair—dribbling with creativity and joy—with the tactical rigor of European leagues, influencing successors like Marcelo, who emulated his attacking full-back archetype at Real Madrid.[66]

Achievements and influence

Roberto Carlos earned significant individual recognition during his career, including being named runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1997.[67] He was selected to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2002 and 2003.[68][69] He also stands as Brazil's longest-serving left-back, accumulating 125 caps for the national team in that role.[5] Roberto Carlos pioneered the modern attacking full-back role through his explosive runs, powerful crosses, and goal-scoring ability from deep positions, influencing generations of defenders.[65] He mentored emerging talents like Marcelo upon the latter's arrival at Real Madrid, providing guidance that helped establish Marcelo as a successor in the left-back position.[70] In 2016, he was honored as part of Real Madrid's Legends squad, participating in high-profile matches that celebrated his legacy.[71] As a cultural icon, Roberto Carlos's "banana shot" free-kick against France in the 1997 Tournoi de France—curving dramatically around the defensive wall—has been widely featured in media and is regarded as one of football's most iconic goals.[72] His influence extends to youth development, as he serves as a global ambassador for the Real Madrid Foundation, promoting educational football programs and clinics in academies worldwide, including initiatives in Kuwait and Dubai that reach thousands of young players.[73][74]

Managerial career

Anzhi Makhachkala

Roberto Carlos was appointed joint interim player-manager of Anzhi Makhachkala on 29 September 2011, alongside assistant coach Andrei Gordeyev, after the dismissal of head coach Gadzhi Gadzhiyev due to disappointing results.[75][76] This role came shortly after the arrival of star forward Samuel Eto'o in August 2011, as the club, backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, aimed to build a competitive squad with high-profile talents. His interim tenure lasted until 27 December 2011, when Yuri Krasnozhan was named the permanent manager.[77] During this period, Anzhi played 8 Russian Premier League matches under the joint management, recording 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, which helped the team climb to fifth place by the winter break.[78] The side also advanced in the Russian Cup, securing two victories in the knockout stages against Amkar Perm (2–1 on 26 October) and Krasnodar (2–0 on 14 December), contributing to an overall record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss across 10 competitive fixtures.[78] Roberto Carlos balanced his coaching duties with playing, appearing in several matches as the team's left-back and captain. Following his retirement from playing in August 2012, Roberto Carlos transitioned to a full-time managerial role as Anzhi's sporting director and assistant manager to Guus Hiddink, who had been appointed head coach in February 2012.[79][80] In this capacity, he contributed to integrating and managing a squad featuring egos as prominent as Eto'o, Willian, and Christopher Samba, amid the challenges of operating in Dagestan's volatile environment, including security risks and regional instability that complicated logistics and team morale.[81] Under Hiddink's leadership with Carlos's support, Anzhi finished third in the 2011–12 Russian Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Europa League, where they reached the quarter-finals the following season after notable victories over Liverpool and Newcastle United.[82] The 2012–13 campaign began strongly, with Anzhi topping the league table after 12 matches, but form declined sharply thereafter, culminating in a third-place finish. Roberto Carlos's association with Anzhi ended in June 2013, coinciding with Kerimov's announcement of severe budget cuts—from approximately $180 million to $50–70 million annually—as part of a strategic retreat from the club's ambitious "galactic" project amid financial pressures and underwhelming on-pitch returns.[83][80] This decision, revealed in August 2013, prompted the exodus of key personnel, including Hiddink's resignation in July, and led to the sale of star players like Eto'o and Willian, effectively dismantling the high-investment model.[84] Carlos later warned that the club's instability would lead to its collapse within two years, a prediction that aligned with Anzhi's subsequent relegations and financial struggles.[85]

Clubs in Turkey

Roberto Carlos's first foray into management came in Turkey with Süper Lig club Sivasspor, where he was appointed head coach in June 2013 on a two-year contract. Drawing from his illustrious playing career as an attacking full-back, Carlos implemented a dynamic style emphasizing overlapping runs and offensive contributions from wing-backs, tailored to the club's limited budget and mid-table ambitions. In the 2013–14 season, his team achieved a strong fifth-place finish in the league, showcasing improved attacking output with 53 goals scored across 34 matches. However, the 2014–15 campaign started poorly, with Sivasspor struggling in the lower half of the table after 17 league games, prompting Carlos to resign in December 2014 following a 2–0 home defeat to İstanbul Başakşehir amid reports of internal board disagreements.[86][87][88] Following a brief hiatus, Carlos returned to Turkish management in January 2015 as head coach of Akhisarspor, signing an 18-month deal with the modest club then battling relegation. Over his six-month stint, he oversaw 20 competitive matches, achieving a points-per-match average of 1.10 and stabilizing the side in mid-table with a focus on defensive solidity, conceding fewer goals per game compared to the preceding period under his predecessor. His tenure built on his prior familiarity with Turkish football from a playing spell at Fenerbahçe in 2011–12, fostering tactical discipline within a low-budget squad. Carlos departed Akhisarspor in June 2015 to pursue an opportunity as player-manager with Delhi Dynamos in India's Indian Super League.[80][89][90]

Delhi Dynamos

Following his playing stint with Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural 2014 Indian Super League season, Roberto Carlos rejoined the club as player-manager for the 2015 campaign.[90] In this dual role, he oversaw 16 matches across the league and playoffs, recording 7 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, which propelled the team to a fourth-place finish in the regular season—improving on their fifth-place result from the previous year and securing their first playoff appearance.[42][91] Under Carlos's leadership, Delhi Dynamos emphasized the integration of young Indian talents alongside experienced imports, aiming to elevate the overall standard of domestic football. He expressed a vision for long-term player development, stating his desire to "raise the level of Indian football" by mentoring local prospects and fostering their growth within the squad.[92][93] This approach marked a shift from mid-table inconsistency to competitive contention, with the team showcasing improved cohesion and attacking intent. Tactically, Carlos implemented an offensive, Brazilian-inspired style focused on fluid transitions and wing play to exploit spaces, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation that balanced defensive solidity with creative outlets.[94][95] He collaborated effectively with high-profile imports such as Florent Malouda, whose technical prowess complemented the wing-oriented strategy and contributed to key victories, including a 3-0 win over FC Pune City.[96][97] Carlos departed at the end of his 2015 contract after the playoff semi-final exit to FC Goa, having been lauded for injecting star power and professionalism that helped raise the Indian Super League's global profile. Since departing Delhi Dynamos in December 2015, Roberto Carlos has not managed any further clubs as of 2025.[98][99][80]

Off-field life

Personal life

Roberto Carlos was first married to Alexandra Pinheiro from 1996 until their divorce in 2003, with whom he had three children: Roberta, Giovanna, and Roberto Carlos Jr.[100] In 2009, he married physiotherapist Mariana Luccon, and the couple welcomed two daughters, Manuela and Mariana.[101] As of early 2025, Roberto Carlos and Luccon are undergoing a contentious divorce, with assets estimated at around €160 million at stake, including properties and investments.[102] Overall, he has fathered 11 children with seven different women, a fact he publicly acknowledged in a 2015 interview.[103] Roberto Carlos maintains a strong religious faith, describing himself as devout and crediting it with providing guidance throughout his life and career.[104] He divides his time between residences in the Madrid area of Spain and Brazil, where he owns multiple properties and has business interests, including real estate and other investments.[102] Post-retirement, his personal interests center on family time and travel, while he avoids direct involvement in politics but occasionally lends informal support to social causes aligned with his values.[105]

Charity and philanthropy

Roberto Carlos has been actively involved in charitable initiatives centered on youth development through football, particularly supporting underprivileged children worldwide. Since 2019, he has served as the Global Ambassador for the Football for Friendship program, an international children's social initiative that promotes values of tolerance, peace, and healthy lifestyles via football activities in over 200 countries.[106] In the 2000s and 2010s, Carlos contributed to UNICEF efforts, including participating in promotional events for the organization's education programs, such as meeting beneficiaries in Istanbul in 2015 as part of the Western Union PASS initiative, which aimed to provide school access for vulnerable children.[107] He has also taken part in multiple Soccer Aid for UNICEF matches, including the 2019 edition at Stamford Bridge, where he played for the World XI team to raise funds for children's humanitarian aid, contributing to the event's cumulative total exceeding £90 million since 2005.[108][109] Post-2023, Carlos continued his philanthropy through high-profile charity matches. On February 23, 2024, he played for Team Chunkz in the Match for Hope event in Qatar, alongside stars like Eden Hazard and David Villa, helping raise $8.8 million for the Education Above All Foundation to support global education access for out-of-school children.[110] In September 2025, he participated in the SBC Legends Charity Game, which generated over £1 million for aid in war-torn regions including Ukraine, with proceeds directed to humanitarian organizations.[111] Earlier that year, on October 12, 2025, he co-captained a StriveAid match to benefit the mental health charity CALM.[112] Additionally, in October 2025, Carlos presented the Real Madrid Foundation's Educational Football Programme in Kuwait, targeting 240 underprivileged youth with sports-based education to foster social inclusion.[73] His efforts emphasize providing sports opportunities and education to disadvantaged youth, often in collaboration with established foundations, reflecting a commitment to using football as a tool for social impact.

Media and endorsements

Following his retirement from professional football in 2012, Roberto Carlos has maintained a prominent presence in the media landscape through various endorsements and ambassadorial roles that leverage his legendary status as a left-back known for his powerful free-kicks. During his playing career, he held a long-term endorsement deal with Nike, appearing in high-profile campaigns such as the 2002 "Scorpion Knockout Tournament" advertisement alongside stars like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, which highlighted his dynamic style and contributed to Nike's dominance in football marketing.[113][114] He also featured in several Pepsi commercials in the early 2000s, including the 2001 "World Challenge" spot with David Beckham and Thierry Henry, and the 2003 "Surfers" ad, which playfully showcased footballers in non-traditional settings to promote the brand ahead of major tournaments.[115] These endorsements underscored his global appeal and helped cement his image as an icon of Brazilian flair and athletic prowess. In his post-retirement career, Roberto Carlos has served as a global ambassador for Real Madrid, where he acts as Director of Institutional Relations and a representative for regions including Asia and Oceania, promoting the club's legacy through events and youth initiatives.[116] He has also taken on ambassadorial duties with FIFA, including promoting the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and supporting various international football programs in the 2020s.[117] Additionally, he has contributed to broadcasting as a commentator for Brazil's Globo network during World Cup coverage, notably in 2014, where he provided expert analysis on matches despite occasional on-air tensions with narrator Galvão Bueno.[118] His media appearances extend to documentary features that highlight his career highlights, often referencing his nickname "The Bullet Man" for his thunderous shots, as seen in Red Bull's 2018 promotions tying his free-kick prowess to global freestyle events.[119] Roberto Carlos engages actively with fans via social media, where his official Instagram account @oficialrc3 shares insights on football tactics, tributes to his playing days, and personal updates, amassing a substantial following by 2025. As of late 2025, he continues punditry for UEFA events, offering commentary on Champions League matches and sharing expertise on mentality and crossing techniques through official UEFA platforms.[120] While no major new projects were announced in 2025, his ongoing roles keep him visible in football discourse.[121]

Controversies

Doping allegations

In 2017, a German public broadcaster ARD aired a documentary titled "Doping in Brazil," which alleged that Roberto Carlos had used performance-enhancing substances, including EPO and anabolic steroids, during his playing career, particularly around the time of Brazil's 2002 World Cup victory while he was at Real Madrid (1996–2007). The claims were based on documents from Brazil's National Anti-Doping Agency dating back to investigations in the early 2000s, which reportedly linked Carlos to consultations with a Brazilian doctor accused of providing banned substances to athletes.[122][123] Roberto Carlos immediately denied the accusations, stating that he had "always defended a clean game" and never used doping substances, emphasizing that he passed all drug tests conducted by FIFA, UEFA, and the clubs he played for throughout his career. He announced legal action against the documentary makers and media outlets that reported the claims, describing the allegations as "lies" and "completely false." No formal doping charges or bans were ever imposed on Carlos by any sporting authority, as the documentary's evidence did not lead to an official investigation or retesting of samples from his Real Madrid era.[122][124] The controversy sparked a brief media storm in Europe and Brazil, drawing attention to historical doping practices in South American football but resulting in no professional repercussions for Carlos, who had retired in 2012. In 2018, he successfully settled a libel lawsuit against the UK's Associated Newspapers Limited (publishers of the Mail on Sunday), which had republished the claims; the outlet issued a public apology, paid substantial damages, and retracted the story, affirming that Carlos had never used banned performance-enhancing drugs. This outcome underscored the lack of substantive evidence supporting the allegations.[125][126] During his later club stints at Fenerbahçe (2007–2011) and Anzhi Makhachkala (2011–2012), Carlos underwent routine anti-doping tests as required by UEFA and local leagues, all of which returned negative results, further supporting his claims of a clean record in those periods. The incident highlighted broader issues with retrospective doping probes and the reliability of archival documents in anti-doping enforcement during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[122][123]

Career statistics and honours

Club

Roberto Carlos's club statistics vary slightly across sources due to differences in counting competitions and friendlies; the following uses data from Transfermarkt and official club records where available, focusing on competitive matches. Early Brazilian career stats are approximate due to limited records. His club journey started at União São João with approximately 30 appearances and 3 goals, followed by a brief loan at Atlético Mineiro (1 appearance, 0 goals), then Palmeiras where he recorded approximately 37 appearances and 6 goals. At Inter Milan, he made 52 appearances and scored 7 goals. Roberto Carlos spent the majority of his prime years at Real Madrid, contributing 584 appearances and 71 goals. In the later stages of his career, he featured for Fenerbahçe in 104 appearances with 10 goals, Corinthians in 61 appearances with 3 goals, Anzhi Makhachkala in 28 appearances with 5 goals, and Delhi Dynamos in 7 appearances with 1 goal.[23][5]
ClubAppearancesGoals
União São João303
Atlético Mineiro10
Palmeiras376
Inter Milan527
Real Madrid58471
Fenerbahçe10410
Corinthians613
Anzhi Makhachkala285
Delhi Dynamos71
These figures encompass all competitions, including domestic leagues, cups, and European tournaments. In league play specifically, he appeared in 370 La Liga matches for Real Madrid, scoring 47 goals; 30 Serie A matches for Inter Milan, with 5 goals; and 65 Süper Lig matches for Fenerbahçe, netting 6 goals, among other leagues such as the Brazilian Série A and Russian Premier League.[23][127]

International

Roberto Carlos represented the Brazil national team from 1992 to 2006, accumulating 125 caps, scoring 11 goals, and providing 2 assists during his international career.[2][128] Several of his goals came from free-kicks or set pieces, highlighting his exceptional ability to deliver powerful, curving shots from dead-ball positions.[6] Notable among these were a spectacular 35-yard free-kick against China in the group stage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which helped secure a 4-0 victory, and an iconic bending strike from 30 yards against France in a 1997 friendly tournament opener.[6] In major tournaments, Roberto Carlos featured prominently in the FIFA World Cups, making 18 appearances across the 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions and scoring 2 goals.[49] He also played in the Copa América four times, with 15 appearances and 1 goal across the 1997 and 1999 tournaments, contributing to Brazil's victories in both.[129] Key milestones included earning his 100th cap in 2005, and he holds the record for the most starts by a Brazil left-back.[128][127]

Managerial

Roberto Carlos began his managerial career in late 2011 as interim co-manager at Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala, where he oversaw 14 matches with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses.[80] He then moved to Turkish Süper Lig side Sivasspor in June 2013, managing 20 matches across parts of the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, achieving 8 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses before his dismissal in December 2014.[80] In January 2015, he took charge of Akhisarspor for the remainder of the 2014–15 Süper Lig campaign and the first half of 2015–16, recording 20 wins, 11 draws, and 20 losses in 51 matches; under his leadership, Akhisarspor achieved its best league finish of 8th place in the 2014–15 season.[80] Later that year, Carlos served as player-manager for Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos from July to December 2015, handling 43 matches with 18 wins, 15 draws, and 10 losses.[80] His overall managerial record stands at 128 matches, comprising 52 wins, 34 draws, and 42 losses, yielding a 41% win rate as of the end of his tenure in 2015; he has not managed a professional club since then.[80] The following table summarizes his record by club:
ClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin Rate
Anzhi Makhachkala1463543%
Sivasspor2085740%
Akhisarspor5120112039%
Delhi Dynamos4318151042%
Total12852344241%
Key performance metrics across his career include a points per match average of approximately 1.32, with goals for and against varying by club but generally reflecting mid-table competitiveness in their respective leagues.[80]

International Honours

Roberto Carlos represented Brazil in major international tournaments, contributing to several key victories. With the national team, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2002, defeating Germany 2–0 in the final.[29] He also secured the Copa América titles in 1997 and 1999, where Brazil triumphed over the United States and Uruguay, respectively.[29] Additionally, he was part of the squad that claimed the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1997, beating Australia 1–0 in the decider.[130]

Individual Honours

Roberto Carlos earned recognition for his performances on the international stage, including selection to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1998 and 2002.[67] These accolades highlighted his defensive prowess and attacking contributions during Brazil's campaigns in those tournaments.[131]

Palmeiras

During his time at Palmeiras from 1993 to 1995, Roberto Carlos helped the club win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 1993 and 1994.[29] These back-to-back national titles marked early successes in his professional career in Brazil.[67]

Real Madrid

Roberto Carlos spent 11 seasons at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, amassing an impressive collection of domestic and European trophies. He won four La Liga titles in the seasons 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03, and 2006–07.[5] On the European front, he secured three UEFA Champions League titles in 1997–98, 1999–2000, and 2001–02, including victories over Juventus, Valencia, and Bayer Leverkusen in the finals.[5] He also lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2002 after a 3–1 win over Feyenoord, along with two Intercontinental Cups in 1998 and 2002.[5] Domestically, he contributed to two Spanish Super Cups in 2001 and 2003.[5]

Fenerbahçe

Joining Fenerbahçe in 2007, Roberto Carlos played until early 2011 and was instrumental in their two Süper Lig titles, in 2007–08 and 2010–11.[29] He also won two Turkish Super Cups during his tenure, in 2007 and 2009.[29]

References

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  2. Roberto Carlos - Player profile | Transfermarkt
  3. Biography - Roberto Carlos
  4. Roberto Carlos: Brazilian Footballer - Biography & Achievements
  5. Roberto Carlos da Silva | Official website Real Madrid C.F.
  6. Roberto Carlos' Brazil free kick in 1997: The physics behind ... - ESPN
  7. Roberto Carlos: Neymar will soon be the best - Inside FIFA
  8. Roberto Carlos Biography - Famous People
  9. Roberto Carlos - Biography - IMDb
  10. A Shropshire lad: Roberto Carlos becomes a pub footballer | Soccer
  11. Roberto Carlos - King Of The World - Angelfire
  12. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKL0920665520070309/
  13. Footballers past & present who turned out for Palmeiras - Squawka
  14. https://www.transfermarkt.us/roberto-carlos/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/7518/wettbewerb/BRA1
  15. Capello and the moment when Inter sold Roberto Carlos: They can't ...
  16. https://www.transfermarkt.us/roberto-carlos/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/7518/saison/1995/wettbewerb/IT1/verein/46
  17. Roberto Carlos reveals why Inter Milan stint went awry
  18. Brazil & Real Madrid Icon Reveals Why Inter Milan Stint Went Awry
  19. 5 Legends Who Have Donned Both Real Madrid & Inter Milan Colours
  20. Capello reveals how he signed Roberto Carlos for Real Madrid in ...
  21. https://www.transfermarkt.com/roberto-carlos/erfolge/spieler/7518
  22. Roberto Carlos: Real Madrid and Brazil icon's impossible goal v ...
  23. Roberto Carlos - Career stats | Transfermarkt
  24. Roberto Carlos lifts the lid on life with Beckham, Figo and Zidane in ...
  25. Roberto Carlos' memories of Zidane's 2002 final volley - UEFA.com
  26. Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos Comment on Real Madrid, Zinedine ...
  27. Fenerbahce's Brazilian connection threatens Chelsea as Zico keeps ...
  28. Roberto Carlos reveals UEFA Cup dream - UEFA.com
  29. Roberto Carlos - Titles & achievements | Transfermarkt
  30. Highlights: Ten great Fenerbahçe goals | Video History - UEFA.com
  31. History: Fenerbahçe 1-0 Sheriff | UEFA Europa League 2009/10
  32. Farewell thunder thighs: Roberto Carlos calls time on blistering career
  33. Why Brazil's football stars are coming home | Corinthians
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  36. Anzhi Makhachkala: How the world's richest club disappeared
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  39. Carlos calls it a day | Football News - Sky Sports
  40. Roberto Carlos to play for Delhi Dynamos in addition to coaching
  41. Roberto Carlos - Detailed stats - Transfermarkt
  42. Roberto Carlos in ISL: The Bullet Man's final stop - Olympics.com
  43. Important to stay on top: Carlos - The Hindu
  44. Delhi Dynamos boss Roberto Carlos on ISL ambitions and free-kick ...
  45. World Youth Cup (U-20) 1991 (Portugal, June 14-30) - RSSSF
  46. USA vs. Brazil 2007-09-09 - National Football Teams
  47. Roberto Carlos in the World Cups
  48. CARLOS Roberto - IFFHS
  49. Cafu: We played for Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho - FIFA
  50. European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 2002
  51. Roberto Carlos - National team
  52. Brazil 0-1 France (Jul 1, 2006) Final Score - ESPN
  53. Carlos denies lapse in Brazil's elimination - China Daily
  54. Carlos hangs up his boots | World Cup 2006 | The Guardian
  55. BBC SPORT | World Cup 2006 | Carlos quits international scene
  56. Carlos retires from Brazil | Football News - Sky Sports
  57. The best ever Brazil players | FourFourTwo
  58. Roberto Carlos still wants to play at World Cup | FOX Sports
  59. Take your game to the next level: Roberto Carlos on the art of crossing
  60. Try me for thighs | World Cup 2002 - The Guardian
  61. 20 Fastest Shots Ever Recorded in Football History (2025)
  62. Brazil have lost their 'essence' under manager Tite - Roberto Carlos
  63. The flair, the force and the fun of Roberto Carlos and Cafu
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  65. https://kids.kiddle.co/Roberto_Carlos
  66. Team of the Year 2003 | UEFA.com
  67. [PDF] uefa.com Team of the Year 2003
  68. Roberto Carlos opens up on Marcelo's development at Real Madrid
  69. Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid Legends gestures during the ...
  70. Roberto Carlos Free Kick Goal vs France | 1997 - YouTube
  71. Roberto Carlos presents the Foundation's Educational Football ...
  72. The Real Madrid Foundation and ISD Sports City present their ...
  73. Anzhi Makhachkala sack coach and appoint Roberto Carlos as ...
  74. Soccer-Anzhi put Roberto Carlos in joint temporary charge - Reuters
  75. Anzhi dismiss Gadzhi Gadzhiev, Roberto Carlos to act as interim ...
  76. Anzhi Makhachkala - Players, Ranking and Transfers - 11/12
  77. Roberto Carlos retires to become Anzhi's director - Reuters
  78. Roberto Carlos - Manager profile | Transfermarkt
  79. The extraordinary story of the Rise and Fall of FC Anzhi Makhachkala
  80. Anzhi Makhachkala » Squad 2011/2012 - worldfootball.net
  81. Russian billionaire cuts spending at Anzhi, may sell players - Reuters
  82. Anzhi Makhachkala: Why are big-spending Russians cutting back?
  83. Anzhi will 'collapse in two years', warns Carlos - FTBL
  84. Sivasspor appoint Roberto Carlos - Transfermarkt
  85. Roberto Carlos's grand Sivasspor designs - UEFA.com
  86. Roberto Carlos resigns as coach of Turkey's Sivasspor
  87. Roberto Carlos is new technical director of Akhisar Belediyespor ...
  88. Roberto Carlos: Former Brazil left-back named Delhi player-manager
  89. Roberto Carlos - Detailed Stats - Transfermarkt
  90. More goals, the target, says Carlos - The Hindu
  91. Delhi Dynamos: Roberto Carlos fuels Dynamos surge | Football News
  92. Indian Super League: Delhi Dynamos to Play The Brazilian Way ...
  93. Why Roberto Carlos must opt for the experienced Hans Mulder ...
  94. Former Chelsea player Malouda joins Carlos at Delhi Dynamos ...
  95. Delhi Dynamos Hammer Three Past FC Pune City, As Roberto ...
  96. ISL 2015: Roberto Carlos will not return, Zico likely to follow suit
  97. Tactics are a lie: Delhi Dynamos' Roberto Carlos on playing ...
  98. Inside Roberto Carlos' wild life with 11 children from seven women ...
  99. Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, 51, 'is divorcing his wife'
  100. Houses, luxury cars, investments in Brazil... Roberto Carlos's ...
  101. Inside Roberto Carlos' life with 11 children from 7 women as he ...
  102. The big interview: Roberto Carlos - The Times
  103. Roberto Carlos - Sw.vip
  104. Football Legend Roberto Carlos Becomes Global Ambassador For ...
  105. Western Union Initiative Reaches One Million PASSes Milestone
  106. SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF ON ITV RAISES RECORD £13 MILLION ...
  107. Roberto Carlos issues statement after pulling out of Soccer Aid
  108. 2024 Edition - Match for Hope
  109. SBC Legends Charity game: Kaka and Roberto Carlos - Insider Sport
  110. Roberto Carlos among Brazil World Cup winners to launch startup
  111. Which footballers are sponsored by Nike? Ronaldo, Mbappe ...
  112. Nike's Scorpion Knockout Tournament advert 18 years on - talkSPORT
  113. From Pele to medieval fights: legendary Pepsi football commercials ...
  114. Partners - Roberto Carlos
  115. Roberto Carlos invites fans to experience the FIFA Club World Cup
  116. Internautas lembram rixa de Galvão e Roberto Carlos após anúncio ...
  117. Football legend Roberto Carlos named judge for Red Bull Street Style
  118. Roberto Carlos on the right mentality | Video - UEFA.com
  119. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/video/0273-14bbdfc8065d-8ef205e5ea59-1000--roberto-carlos-on-crossing/
  120. Brazil's Roberto Carlos on doping: 'I always defended a clean game'
  121. Former Brazil defender Carlos denies doping allegations - Reuters
  122. Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos denies doping allegations
  123. Roberto Carlos settles “banned performance enhancing drugs” libel ...
  124. Newspaper settles Roberto Carlos libel case over doping claims
  125. Roberto Carlos - Detailed stats - Transfermarkt
  126. Roberto Carlos Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more
  127. Roberto Carlos - Century of International Appearances - RSSSF
  128. The legendary Roberto Carlos in the CONMEBOL Copa América
  129. Roberto Carlos: Portugal, Mexico & Germany are the title contenders
  130. Roberto Carlos: The Legendary Brazilian Footballer and Coach
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