| FULL NAME | Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha |
| BORN | April 10, 1973 |
| HEIGHT | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| NATIONALITY | Brazilian |
| ROLE | Left back |
Biography of Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, usually known simply as Roberto Carlos, is a former Brazilian professional footballer.
He was born on April 10, 1973, in the Brazilian town of Garca, Sao Paulo. He mostly played as a left-back in defence and has been dubbed the most offensive-minded left-back in the game’s history.
His left foot is the stronger, and he is envious of his ability to swerve the ball with a powerful stroke.
He dominated the left wing as a marauding left-back. He liked to go for overlaps, attacking quickly to provide last passes that resulted to goals. Technically skilled, he was able to maintain possession when attacking, and if he did lose control, he would instantly push the opponent to retake possession.
He wasn’t the finest defender, but he made up for it with significant quickness and speed, as well as a drive to reclaim possession through continuous pressing.
In 1997, he was named runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year award, one of only two left-backs to finish in the top two. Pele selected him to the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players in 2004.
Background
He had to work at a textile mill as a 12-year-old to support his family because he did not come from a wealthy household.
He began his professional football career with the local team Uniao Sao Joao. Following his impressive achievements, he was loaned to a bigger club, Atletico Mineiro, with whom he travelled to Europe and had the opportunity to experience football at a higher level. He subsequently went to Palmeiras, where he developed into the star we knew, winning two consecutive league titles before departing for Europe.
Debut
When he was on loan to Atletico Mineiro in February 1992, he was picked to play for the national team.
He did not make his debut, though, until three years later, on June 11, 1995, in a friendly match against England.
He played the entire 90-minute encounter, which Brazil won 3-1. Carlos got an assist in his debut, setting up Edmundo for the third goal.
This good performance, however, was unable to secure a spot on the national squad. He didn’t make his debut for Brazil until 1997.
Ascend to Glory
Roberto Carlos rose to prominence after joining European powerhouse Real Madrid in 1996. He quickly rose to the position of first-choice left-back, a position he kept for more than a decade.
His big breakthrough came in 1997, when playing for the Brazil national team in the Tournoi de France, when he scored an incredible free-kick with an inconceivable curve.
Many consider it to be the best free-kick in football history.
Despite coming before Florentino Perez’s tenure, he was dubbed a “Galactico” since he improved in his position throughout the years. With 370 games, he is Real Madrid’s most capped foreign-born player in La Liga, surpassing legend Alfredo Di Stefano.
Club Professionalism
During his almost 20-year career, Roberto Career has represented Uniao Sao Joao, Atletico Mineiro, Palmeiras, Inter Milan, Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Anzhi, and Real Madrid.
Achievements
In 1998, he helped Brazil reach the World Cup final, when they were defeated by France. In the following World Cup, in 2002, he led Brazil to victory. With Real Madrid, he won the La Liga four times and the UEFA Champions League three times. He has also won the Copa America, the Confederations Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and several other awards.
Retirement
Despite having played a couple of matches for Delhi Dynamos, where he was largely appointed as head coach, Roberto Carlos basically retired in 2012, playing for Anzhi. He has worked as a manager for Anzhi, Sivasspor, Akhisar Belediyespor, and Delhi Dynamos.