Football icon Roberto Carlos converts to Islam: Reports

Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has become the centre of a major discussion online after reports claimed that he has converted to Islam.

The 53-year-old former Real Madrid star reportedly recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh in Brazil around four weeks ago. However, Carlos has not personally confirmed the news so far.

How did the conversion reports begin?

The claim was brought into the spotlight by Turkish MP Ali Şahin following his meeting with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community in São Paulo.

According to Şahin, Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh told him that Carlos had been in contact with him for a long time. The football icon allegedly visited the religious leader four weeks ago, recited the Shahada and chose to embrace Islam.

Şahin subsequently congratulated Carlos and wished the former footballer and his family a peaceful and healthy life.