Respecting the Faith: How Roberto Carlos addressed the rumors of his conversion to Islam

Brazilian football icon and former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has officially shut down recent media reports suggesting he converted to Islam following his marriage to Moroccan-Spanish football agent Souhaila Tahiri.

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A high-profile romance & wedding

Photos of the 53 year old World Cup winner and his new wife recently resurfaced across Arab media, putting their relationship back in the spotlight.

The couple originally tied the knot in a private ceremony in January 2026, shortly after Carlos underwent heart surgery in December 2025, before hosting a larger wedding celebration in July.

Tahiri, a FIFA registered football agent of Moroccan and Lebanese descent, has been credited by Carlos as a successful businesswoman who brought immense happiness and stability to his life during his health recovery.

Tahiri's impact on Moroccan football

Beyond her high profile marriage, Tahiri is a prominent figure in sports management with a deep commitment to developing North African talent.

In a recent interview, she praised the Mohammed VI Football Academy as a "promising institution" and emphasized the importance of holistic player development. Tahiri actively advocates for providing young Moroccan athletes with comprehensive support that extends beyond the pitch focusing heavily on education, language acquisition and post career preparation.

Carlos addresses conversion rumours

The marriage sparked widespread speculation, particularly driven by Turkish media outlets like OdaTV which claimed that Carlos had embraced Islam.

Reports even alleged he had pronounced the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, a well known religious figure in Brazil.

However, Carlos firmly dismissed these claims via a short statement on his official Instagram account on Thursday, ensuring absolute clarity while expressing deep respect for the Muslim faith.

"I want to clarify, following recent media speculation, that I have not converted to Islam.. I have the utmost respect for Muslims, as I do for people of all faiths and beliefs. Faith is deeply personal and I believe everyone’s beliefs should be treated with respect" the Brazilian legend wrote.

Roberto Carlos’s swift and respectful clarification effectively puts an end to the swirling religious rumors that often accompany the private lives of global football icons.

For Souhaila Tahiri, the recent media attention highlights not only her personal life but also her growing influence as a modern FIFA agent deeply invested in the holistic development of Moroccan talent.

Her professional focus on education and life after football aligns perfectly with sustainable sports management trends proving her to be a vital asset to the sport behind the scenes.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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