Roberto Carlos, full name Roberto Carlos da Silva (born April
10, 1973 in Garça, São Paulo), is a Brazilian footballer. This
short, but strong and very fast left wingback is known for his
trademark super-powerful low-driving free-kicks. He currently
plays for Real Madrid where he has extended his contract until
2007, making him the illustrious club's longest serving foreign
superstar.
On the club level, Roberto Carlos has played for Palmeiras,
Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. He has 105 caps for Brazil, and
helped his country win the World Cup in 2002 after finishing
second in 1998. He is perhaps most famous for scoring an
incredible 25-yard free kick against France in 1997, when the
ball seemed to be heading wide before taking an amazing left
swerve, leaving goalkeeper Fabien Barthez stunned.
He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living
footballers in March 2004. Roberto Carlos is divorced with three
children.
On June 24, 2005, Roberto Carlos was robbed by two gunmen while
doing a live radio interview. However, the robbers did not harm
him, merely taking his watch and the interviewer's cellphone.
On August 2, 2005, Roberto Carlos received Spanish citizenship
but maintained his Brazilian nationality as well. This proved
important for Real, as it meant that he now counted as a
European Union player, opening up one of the club's allowed
three slots for non-EU players and enabling Real to sign fellow
Brazilian star Robinho. |
