RIYADH — Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has denied reports that he converted to Islam, saying he has the “utmost respect” for the religion but that claims he had embraced the faith following his marriage to Moroccan football agent Souhaila El Tahiri were untrue.The former Real Madrid and Brazil star addressed the reports in exclusive comments to Saudi newspaper Okaz after speculation about his religious beliefs spread widely across Turkish and social media.“I have the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the circulating rumors about my conversion to Islam are not true,” Carlos told Okaz.His comments contradict reports published by several media outlets claiming that the 53-year-old had converted to Islam around four weeks ago after reciting the Shahada during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community.The claims gained further attention after Ali Şahin, a Turkish lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), said he had learned of Carlos’ reported conversion during a meeting with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community.According to Şahin, Hamada told him that Carlos had been in contact with him for some time before visiting him around four weeks ago, reciting the Shahada and choosing Islam.Şahin subsequently congratulated the former Brazil international and wished him and his family peace, health and blessings.Images showing Carlos taking part in what appeared to be an Islamic marriage ceremony also circulated on social media, further fueling speculation that he had converted.Carlos, however, explained to Okaz that he and El Tahiri held their wedding ceremonies in different forms to accommodate the religious beliefs of their families.He said the couple wanted ceremonies that respected members of his family, who are Catholic, as well as another ceremony appropriate for his wife and their Muslim friends.Carlos also revealed details about how his relationship with El Tahiri began, saying the couple first met during a football-related business meeting.He described El Tahiri as a successful businesswoman and said they have been together for two years, both personally and professionally.El Tahiri is a FIFA-licensed football agent involved in managing players’ careers and football-related projects. Reports about their relationship emerged earlier this year, while images from their wedding celebrations have since circulated widely on social media.Carlos is regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. He spent the most successful period of his club career with Real Madrid and was a key member of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team.He also has strong ties to Turkish football, having played for Fenerbahçe between 2007 and 2009.
RIYADH — Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has denied reports that he converted to Islam, saying he has the “utmost respect” for the religion but that claims he had embraced the faith following his marriage to Moroccan football agent Souhaila El Tahiri were untrue.The former Real Madrid and Brazil star addressed the reports in exclusive comments to Saudi newspaper Okaz after speculation about his religious beliefs spread widely across Turkish and social media.“I have the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the circulating rumors about my conversion to Islam are not true,” Carlos told Okaz.His comments contradict reports published by several media outlets claiming that the 53-year-old had converted to Islam around four weeks ago after reciting the Shahada during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community.The claims gained further attention after Ali Şahin, a Turkish lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), said he had learned of Carlos’ reported conversion during a meeting with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community.According to Şahin, Hamada told him that Carlos had been in contact with him for some time before visiting him around four weeks ago, reciting the Shahada and choosing Islam.Şahin subsequently congratulated the former Brazil international and wished him and his family peace, health and blessings.Images showing Carlos taking part in what appeared to be an Islamic marriage ceremony also circulated on social media, further fueling speculation that he had converted.Carlos, however, explained to Okaz that he and El Tahiri held their wedding ceremonies in different forms to accommodate the religious beliefs of their families.He said the couple wanted ceremonies that respected members of his family, who are Catholic, as well as another ceremony appropriate for his wife and their Muslim friends.Carlos also revealed details about how his relationship with El Tahiri began, saying the couple first met during a football-related business meeting.He described El Tahiri as a successful businesswoman and said they have been together for two years, both personally and professionally.El Tahiri is a FIFA-licensed football agent involved in managing players’ careers and football-related projects. Reports about their relationship emerged earlier this year, while images from their wedding celebrations have since circulated widely on social media.Carlos is regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. He spent the most successful period of his club career with Real Madrid and was a key member of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team.He also has strong ties to Turkish football, having played for Fenerbahçe between 2007 and 2009.
