Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has denied reports claiming he converted to Islam after marrying Moroccan business agent Souhaila Tahiri.
Several newspapers had reported in recent days that Carlos converted to Islam around four weeks ago, claiming he recited the Shahada during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hamada, a well known figure within Brazil’s Muslim community.
Pictures also circulated online showing what appeared to be an Islamic style wedding ceremony, conducted in the presence of a Sharia officiant.
Carlos addressed the claims directly in comments to a Saudi newspaper Okaz. “I have the utmost respect for Islam, and it is wonderful to see my wife praying, but the rumors circulating about my conversion to Islam are untrue,” he said.
He went on to explain the nature of his wedding celebrations, detailing that the ceremonies were held in more than one format to reflect the beliefs of both families involved.
He noted that one ceremony followed Catholic traditions to suit his own family, while another was arranged in a style that reflected his wife’s Muslim background and her circle of friends.
Carlos also spoke about how his relationship with Tahiri began. The 53-year-old former left back revealed that the couple first met during a business meeting connected to football.
He described Tahiri as a successful businesswoman and said that their relationship, both personal and professional, has been going on for two years.
