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The football world is buzzing following shocking reports that legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos has converted to Islam. At 53 years old, the iconic former Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe star has reportedly taken the shahada—the Islamic declaration of faith—following months of private spiritual exploration.
How the News Broke
The announcement didn't come from a sports network or a celebrity gossip column, but rather from the international political sphere. Turkish lawmaker Ali Şahin, a member of the ruling AKP party, publicly shared the milestone after meeting with representatives of the Brazilian Muslim community in São Paulo.
According to Şahin, the conversion was facilitated by Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, the vice-president and religious counselor of the National Association of Islamic Jurists of Brazil (ANAJI). Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Islamic world, Sheikh Hammadeh had reportedly been in contact with Roberto Carlos for quite some time.
Approximately four weeks prior to the public announcement, the football icon visited the Sheikh personally to officially recite the shahada and embrace his new faith.
Taking to social media to congratulate the sports legend, Şahin wrote: "Roberto Carlos, a world and Brazilian football legend who also played for Fenerbahçe, had been in contact with him for a long time and, four weeks ago, visited him, recited the shahada and embraced Islam." The Turkish politician concluded by wishing the former athlete a life filled with peace, health, and blessings for him and his family.
A New Chapter Tied to Marriage
This spiritual milestone coincides closely with recent developments in the football star's personal life. Leaked photographs have surfaced showing Roberto Carlos participating in a matrimonial ceremony with Suhaila Ettahiri, a Spanish businesswoman of Moroccan descent who works as a FIFA-licensed player agent.
The circulating images depict the couple signing marriage contracts during a ceremony that reportedly incorporated traditional Islamic religious elements, aligning with the timing of his reported religious conversion. While details regarding the exact date and location of the wedding remain under wraps, the union has heavily dominated headlines across international media.
Silence from the Camp
Despite the global attention, neither Roberto Carlos nor his official representatives have issued a public statement addressing the conversion reports or the marriage. Media outlets, including Quem, have reached out to the former athlete's team for clarification, but are still awaiting an official response.
As fans and followers await confirmation, the story continues to captivate global audiences, marking a profound new chapter for one of the most celebrated players in football history.
