Roberto Carlos at the center of speculation over reported conversion to Islam

Wednesday 19 August 2026 - 08:00

By: Azzat Manal

Roberto Carlos at the center of speculation over reported conversion to Islam

Former Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos has become the subject of widespread speculation following his marriage to Moroccan Souhaila Al Tahri, with reports claiming that the former Real Madrid defender may have embraced Islam.

The speculation intensified after Sheikh Jihad Hassan Hamadeh appeared at the couple’s Islamic wedding ceremony. Images and reports circulating online subsequently prompted claims that Roberto Carlos had converted to Islam before his marriage.

However, no official statement from Roberto Carlos has so far publicly confirmed that he has adopted Islam. The reports therefore remain based on accounts attributed to the religious figure and comments circulated by third parties rather than a direct declaration from the former footballer.

According to Turkish politician Ali Sahin, Sheikh Jihad Hassan Hamadeh described a previous meeting with Roberto Carlos in São Paulo. The account suggested that the two remained in contact and met again several weeks before the wedding.

Sahin further claimed that the Brazilian football icon recited the Islamic declaration of faith, known as the Shahada, during that meeting. He reportedly congratulated Roberto Carlos and expressed wishes for happiness and blessings for the player and his family.

The claims gained additional attention after Roberto Carlos appeared alongside Sheikh Hamadeh and his Moroccan wife during the Islamic marriage ceremony. Nevertheless, the presence of a religious figure at a wedding does not by itself establish that the footballer has converted to Islam.

Sheikh Jihad Hassan Hamadeh is known for his activities within Brazil’s Muslim community. Born in Damascus in 1965, he moved to Brazil at an early age and later pursued studies involving Islamic sciences, social sciences and history. He subsequently became involved in Islamic organizations and activities in the country.

Roberto Carlos’s relationship with Souhaila Al Tahri reportedly developed from a professional connection linked to the football industry. Her work in sports management and related projects brought the two into contact before their relationship evolved into a personal one and eventually led to marriage.

The story has attracted significant attention because of Roberto Carlos’s international profile. The former Brazil international enjoyed a highly successful career, particularly during his long spell at Real Madrid, where he became one of the most recognizable defenders of his generation.

For now, however, the question of his religious affiliation remains unconfirmed publicly. Until Roberto Carlos himself makes a clear statement, claims about his conversion should be treated as unverified reports rather than an established fact.