Published : 20 Aug 2026, 08:48 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:34 AM
Former Brazil star Roberto Carlos has denied widely circulated reports that he converted to Islam following his marriage to Moroccan national Souhaila Al-Tahiri.
Turkish media had claimed the 53-year-old converted around four weeks ago after reciting the Shahada during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a well-known figure within Brazil's Muslim community.
The claims were fuelled by a post from Ali Sahin, a member of parliament for Turkey's Justice and Development Party, who described a meeting he held with representatives of Brazil's Muslim community, global football outlet Goal reports.
Sahin said on X two days earlier that he had met Sheikh Hamada, who is based in Sao Paulo, during a visit to the Brazilian Charitable Union of Muslim Youth.
The sheikh told him Carlos had been in contact for some time before visiting him four weeks ago, reciting the Shahada and choosing Islam, according to the report.
Carlos, though, has now broken his silence, insisting the reports of his conversion are "untrue".
"I hold the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the rumours going around about my conversion to Islam are untrue," the Real Madrid legend told Saudi newspaper Okaz on Wednesday.
Speaking about his wedding, which sparked speculation about his faith, he said the celebration was held in more than one form.
“We were keen to hold a ceremony suited to the beliefs of the family members, as they are Catholics, alongside another ceremony suited to my wife and her Muslim friends," he added.
