Mariana Lucón (Suhaila Al-Tahiri), wife of Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos who is of Moroccan descent, denied the accuracy of reports claiming he converted to Islam, confirming that the circulating story has no basis in reality.
The rumor spread following circulating photos from Carlos and Al-Tahiri’s wedding ceremony showing certain Islamic traditions, alongside claims alleging that the former Real Madrid star changed his religion after surviving a serious accident.
The story gained widespread traction after Turkish MP Ali Şahin stated that Sheikh Cihad Hammadeh, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community, told him Carlos had been in contact with him for a while, visited him about four weeks prior, and declared his conversion.
Roberto Carlos Responds to Conversion Rumor
Carlos ended the controversy himself in statements to the Saudi newspaper Okaz, saying: “I have the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife pray, but rumors of my conversion to Islam are untrue.”
The Brazilian star explained that his wedding celebration was held in multiple formats out of respect for his Catholic family, alongside organizing ceremonies suited to his wife and Muslim friends, which led to the misleading interpretation of the photos.
Al-Tahiri stated in an exclusive interview with Moroccan network Hesport: “Roberto Carlos did not convert to Islam, and what has been circulated regarding this matter is untrue.”
She added that her husband made no official announcement regarding changing his religion and that no credible incident supports the claim, urging people to stop treating these reports as facts.
Al-Tahiri denied exerting any pressure on Carlos to change his beliefs, emphasizing that religion is a personal matter, that she respects everyone’s freedom to choose their convictions, and that she would never force a belief on anyone.
She also refuted the narrative concerning Sheikh Cihad Hammadeh, stating: “No sheikh or preacher named Cihad came to visit him,” asserting that she and her husband do not know this person in the context being claimed.
She concluded by noting that Carlos’s respect for Islam or discussing topics related to religion and the Quran does not signify adopting a new faith, calling for respect regarding individual privacy and avoiding the spread of sensitive religious information without verification.
