Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha was born in Garça, São Paulo, on 10 April 1973. He went on to become one of the greatest full-backs in football history, but his career in Europe began with a transfer that, in hindsight, represented one of the most extraordinary mistakes made by an Italian club.

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In 1995, Roberto Carlos arrived at Inter from Palmeiras. He was only 22 years old, but he had already established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Brazilian football. At Inter, however, his stay would last just one season.

It is difficult to imagine today, but Inter decided that Roberto Carlos was expendable.

During the 1995/96 season, he made 34 appearances in all competitions and scored seven goals, including five in Serie A. For a left-back, those were remarkable numbers, particularly for a player still adapting to European football. Yet despite his obvious talent, Roberto Carlos reportedly found himself in disagreement with coach Roy Hodgson, who preferred to use him further forward rather than in his natural position.

At the end of the season, Inter allowed him to leave.

The Brazilian moved to Real Madrid, where he would spend the next 11 years and become one of the greatest players in the club's history.

In retrospect, the decision was extraordinary. Real Madrid immediately recognised what Inter had failed to fully appreciate.

Roberto Carlos became a fundamental part of the Madrid side and remained at the club for more than a decade. During his time in Spain, he made 527 official appearances and scored 68 goals, winning four La Liga titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues.

He was not simply a defender.

Roberto Carlos helped redefine the role of the modern full-back. His ability to surge forward from deep positions made him an additional attacking weapon, while his pace allowed him to recover defensively. He could deliver dangerous crosses, combine with teammates and score from distance.

His left foot became legendary.

Few players in football history have struck a ball with the same combination of power and technique. Roberto Carlos became famous for his free-kicks, with his extraordinary effort against France in the 1997 Tournoi de France becoming perhaps the most famous example. From a remarkable angle and distance, he struck the ball with the outside of his foot, sending it around the defensive wall and into the goal.

It was a goal that seemed to defy physics and became an enduring symbol of his unique ability.

At Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos was part of the beginning of the Galácticos era and played alongside some of the greatest footballers of his generation. He formed an especially famous partnership with fellow Brazilian Ronaldo, while also sharing the dressing room with players such as Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, David Beckham, Raúl and Iker Casillas.

Yet despite the extraordinary talent around him, Roberto Carlos remained indispensable.

His consistency was remarkable. For more than a decade, he was almost permanently established as Real Madrid's first-choice left-back. His attacking contributions were so significant that he often appeared to be playing as a winger, while his defensive recovery speed allowed him to return to his position when possession was lost.

The numbers tell only part of the story.

His four La Liga titles and three Champions League victories were complemented by numerous other trophies, while his 11 seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu established him as one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Internationally, Roberto Carlos was equally successful.

He won more than 100 caps for Brazil and represented his country at three World Cups. He was part of the team that reached the 1998 World Cup final before winning the tournament in 2002. He also won the Copa América in 1997 and 1999.

At the 2002 World Cup, Roberto Carlos was a key member of the Brazilian team that defeated Germany in the final. Alongside Cafu on the opposite flank, he formed one of the greatest full-back partnerships in international football history.

His career eventually took him away from Madrid. He played for Fenerbahçe, Corinthians and Anzhi Makhachkala before retiring from professional football. He later moved into coaching and ambassadorial work, maintaining a close relationship with Real Madrid.

Sources

Wikipedia