BRASILIA – Brazilian and Real Madrid football legend Roberto Carlos has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in various media outlets claiming that he has converted to Islam.

According to Arab media, the 53-year-old former Brazilian star clarified that he has immense respect for Islam and the Muslim community, but reports about his conversion are untrue.

Addressing the speculation through an Instagram story, Roberto Carlos said he had not converted to Islam and respects all religions and beliefs, including Islam.

Reports of his alleged conversion emerged after Turkish media and a Turkish parliamentarian claimed that the former footballer had embraced Islam after reciting the Shahada during a meeting with a Muslim scholar in Brazil. However, the claim was rejected after Roberto Carlos directly denied it.

The reports also linked the speculation to his recent marriage to Moroccan-origin football agent Souheila El Tahiri. Pictures from the wedding ceremonies showed Islamic and Moroccan traditions, which further fuelled rumours about his alleged conversion.

Roberto Carlos explained that the different wedding ceremonies were held while respecting the religious beliefs and traditions of both families. He said the presence of Islamic traditions at the ceremonies should not be interpreted as evidence that he had changed his religion.

The football legend further clarified that if he ever decides to embrace Islam in the future, he will make the announcement himself.