Former Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos has finally spoken out. After marrying Moroccan national Souhaila Al-Tahiri, widespread rumors had spread that he had converted to Islam. He has now personally responded to those rumors. The Real Madrid legend has directly denied the reports, while also expressing his deep respect for Islam.
Various international media outlets recently claimed that 53-year-old Carlos had converted to Islam by reciting the shahada before Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a well-known figure in Brazil’s Muslim community. The matter drew further attention after a social media post by Ali Şahin, a member of parliament from Turkey’s Justice and Development Party.
Şahin had said Carlos converted to Islam after meeting Sheikh Jihad Hamada in São Paulo. The rumors intensified further after some photos of a wedding in Islamic style circulated alongside the claim.
However, in an interview with Saudi media outlet Okaz, Carlos made clear that reports of his conversion to Islam are not true. He said: “I have the utmost respect for Islam. Seeing my wife pray is a wonderful experience, but the reports that have spread about me converting are completely false.”
The former left-back also explained the confusion surrounding the wedding ceremony. Because his family members are Catholic, one part of the ceremony followed their religious beliefs. At the same time, out of respect for the religious beliefs of his Moroccan wife and Muslim friends, a portion of the ceremony was also held in Islamic style.
Carlos said: “My family members are Catholic. Just as there was a ceremony honoring their beliefs, that religious tradition was also included, keeping in mind my Moroccan wife’s background and that of her Muslim friends.” Carlos made clear that taking part in various ceremonies of his wife’s religion does not mean he himself has changed his religion.
Carlos also spoke about how his relationship with Souhaila Al-Tahiri began. They first met at a football-related business meeting. Describing Souhaila as a successful businesswoman, Carlos said they have been together for roughly two years. During this time, their understanding of each other has deepened both personally and professionally.
This is Carlos’s third marriage. He separated from his first wife, Alexandra Pinheiro, in 2003. They have three children together. He then married Mariana Luken in June 2009. After more than 15 years together, they separated in early 2025. Carlos has two daughters from that marriage. In total, Carlos has 11 children by seven women.
A 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, Carlos shone brightest in his club career at Real Madrid. Playing more than 500 matches across 11 seasons for the Spanish club, he won three Champions League titles and four La Liga titles. His remarkable curling free-kick goal against France in 1997 also remains one of the most memorable goals in football history.
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