Roberto Carlos - Former Footballer
Age: 52
Country: Brazil Occupations:
Former Footballer
Roberto Carlos is a former professional Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in the history of the game.
⚽ Key Characteristics and Style
Position: He primarily played as a left-back but was known for his incredibly offensive-minded style, effectively acting as a wing-back or even a winger for much of his career.
Physicality: Despite being relatively short (about 5 ft 6 in or 1.68 m), he was known for his prodigious speed, stamina, and powerful physique, particularly his famously strong thighs which contributed to his explosive pace and shot power.
"The Bullet Man": He earned the nickname El Hombre Bala ("The Bullet Man") for his thunderous, powerful free-kicks and shots, which were often measured at over 105 mph (169 km/h). His unforgettable, bending, "impossible" free-kick goal against France in 1997 remains an iconic moment in football history.
🏆 Career Highlights
Real Madrid: Carlos spent the most successful and longest part of his club career (1996–2007) at Real Madrid, where he was a key member of the famous "Galácticos" era. He won numerous titles, including four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.
Brazil National Team: He was a mainstay for the Brazil national team (Seleção), earning 125 caps and representing them in three World Cups, including the victorious 2002 tournament.
Individual Recognition: His performances earned him numerous individual accolades, including being the runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997 and for the Ballon d'Or in 2002.
After retiring as a player, he moved into coaching and has taken on various administrative and ambassadorial roles in football.