Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos is a Brazilian retired professional footballer, born on April 10, 1973, in São Paulo, Brazil. He is widely regarded as one of the best left backs in football history. Carlos began his professional career with União São João before moving to Palmeiras in 1993, where he earned a transfer to Internazionale in 1995 and then to Real Madrid in 1996.

Carlos is known for his incredible speed, strength, crossing ability, and free-kick prowess. He has won numerous individual awards, including the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997, and holds multiple records, such as the most free-kick goals in La Liga history.

Off the field, Carlos is also recognized for his influence and contributions to football, inspiring generations of full-backs worldwide.

União São João

• Beginnings: Carlos was born and raised in São Paulo and started his professional career with União São João in 1991.

Palmeiras

• Domestic Success: Carlos joined Palmeiras in 1993, winning two consecutive Brazilian league titles in 1993 and 1994.

Internazionale

• European Debut: Carlos moved to Internazionale in 1995, marking his debut in European football. His stint at the club was short-lived but impactful.

Real Madrid

• Glory Years: In 1996, Carlos transferred to Real Madrid, where he would spend the bulk of his career. He won numerous titles, including three Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. He is considered one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players.
  Individual Awards: At Real Madrid, Carlos was recognized as the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997.

Late Career

• Later Moves: Carlos had stints with Fenerbahçe, Corinthians, and Anzhi Makhachkala towards the end of his career, maintaining his high performance levels into his late thirties.

Brazil National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Brazil in 1992.

Achievements:

• FIFA World Cup: Winner in 2002.
• Copa America: Winner in 1997 and 1999.
• Carlos is one of the most capped players for the Brazil national team, with over 125 appearances.

• Position: Primarily a left back, but also excelled as a wing-back.
• Skills: Known for his blistering speed, physical strength, precise crossing, and free-kick prowess. Carlos is celebrated for his attacking contribution from defence, long-range shooting ability, and defensive stability.

• Family: Carlos has three children. He is married to Mariana Lucón.
• Post-Retirement: Since retiring, Carlos has taken up various roles in football, including coaching and administrative positions at clubs like Anzhi Makhachkala, Sivasspor, and Real Madrid.

• Roberto Carlos is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his impact on the full-back position. His attacking prowess and defensive solidity redefined the role of a left back, influencing generations of footballers worldwide.

FIFA World Player of the Year:

• Winner in 1997

UEFA Team of the Year:

• Selected in 2002 and 2003

Most Goals by a Defender in La Liga:

• Scored 46 goals

Most Appearances for Real Madrid by a Non-Spanish Player:

• 527 appearances

Books

• Roberto Carlos: My Life, My Victories. São Paulo: Planeta do Brasil.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Roberto Carlos’ international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• Real Madrid: Details about Carlos’ career at Real Madrid. Available at: https://www.realmadrid.com
• UEFA: Updates and records of Carlos in UEFA competitions. Available at: https://www.uefa.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Roberto Carlos: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
• The Guardian: Roberto Carlos’ career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/robertocarlos

Interviews and Documentaries

• Roberto Carlos: The Perfect Shot (2018): A documentary that provides a detailed look at Carlos' legendary free-kick against France in 1997.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Roberto Carlos, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com