Reports claim Roberto Carlos has converted to Islam, but no official confirmation

Turkish media outlets have reported that Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has converted to Islam, following a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamadeh in Brazil about four weeks ago. However, the player has not issued any direct confirmation regarding these reports.

According to several Turkish newspapers, including Haberler, Roberto Carlos, 53, had been in contact with Sheikh Jihad Hamadeh for some time before meeting him in Brazil around four weeks ago. It is claimed that Carlos recited the Shahada and declared his conversion to Islam during this meeting.

The story gained wider attention after Turkish Justice and Development Party MP Ali Sahin posted about a meeting with members of the Islamic community in Brazil.

Sahin wrote on X that he met Sheikh Jihad Hamadeh, who resides in São Paulo, during a visit to the Brazilian Charity Union for Muslim Youth. He noted that Hamadeh is listed among the 500 most influential figures in the Islamic world.

The Turkish MP added that Sheikh Hamadeh told him Roberto Carlos, described as one of the greatest football legends in Brazil and globally, had been in contact with him for a long time before visiting four weeks ago, reciting the Shahada, and choosing Islam.

Sahin congratulated Roberto Carlos, wishing him and his family "a life filled with peace, health, and blessings."

These reports coincided with the renewed circulation of photos showing Roberto Carlos at his wedding to Moroccan Souhaila Tahiri, a FIFA-licensed players' agent who works in player management and football-related projects.

Although images from their wedding resurfaced on August 17, the marriage was not recent. Information about their relationship had emerged as early as January, and the couple held a small ceremony attended by family and close friends on July 25.

Reports indicate that Roberto Carlos and Souhaila Tahiri's relationship began professionally before developing into a personal one, with the pair continuing to collaborate on player management projects between Brazil and Europe.

Roberto Carlos is regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, enjoying a distinguished career with Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, as well as a stint in Turkey with Fenerbahçe.