Roberto Carlos denies reports of converting to Islam

Football icon Roberto Carlos has refuted claims that he has converted to Islam, a rumor that gained traction after a Turkish lawmaker announced his supposed conversion. The Brazilian former player stated that while he holds Islam in high regard, he has not adopted the faith.

The speculation intensified following reports from Saudi Arabian newspaper Okaz, which suggested Carlos had converted to Islam about four weeks prior and recited the declaration of faith after meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a prominent figure in Brazil's Muslim community. Social media also saw the circulation of photos purported to be from his wedding, with claims of an Islamic ceremony.

However, Roberto Carlos clarified the situation, telling Okaz, "I have the utmost respect for Islam. Seeing my wife pray is wonderful. But the rumors circulating about me being Muslim are not true." He further explained that his wedding to his Moroccan wife, Souheila Tahiri, involved multiple ceremonies to accommodate the diverse religious beliefs of their family members. As his own family is Catholic, one ceremony adhered to Catholic traditions, while another was held to respect the faiths of his wife and her Muslim friends.

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I have the utmost respect for Islam. Seeing my wife pray is wonderful. But the rumors circulating about me being Muslim are not true.