Roberto Carlos (b. 1973)

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Biography

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, often recognized as Roberto Carlos and sometimes RC3, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. He has been described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game", and one of the greatest full-backs in history. In 1997, he was runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2002, was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or. He is primarily known for his long career at Real Madrid and constant presence on the Brazilian national team.

Timeline

The story of Roberto Carlos, told in moments.

1973 Birth

Born Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha in Garça, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Started his career as a forward but was converted to left-back. Began at Uniao Sao Joao, a small club in Araras. Called up to the national team at 19 while still playing for a lesser club.

What did being converted from forward to left-back feel like? Did you always play defense like you were attacking? Was the national team call-up at nineteen a shock?

1996 Event

Signed with Real Madrid from Inter Milan. Spent 11 seasons in Spain. 584 matches. 71 goals from left-back. Won four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Marca later named him in their "Best Foreign Eleven in Real Madrid's History."

What made Real Madrid feel like home for eleven seasons? How does a left-back score 71 goals? Which of the three Champions League trophies meant the most?

1997 Event

Scored a physics-defying free kick against France from 40 yards. The ball swerved impossibly around the wall and dipped into the net. It became the most replayed free kick in football history. He was 24.

Did you know the free kick against France would bend like that? Can you explain the physics, or was it pure instinct? How many times have you watched the replay?

2002 Event

Won the World Cup with Brazil in Japan and South Korea. Named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for the second time. 125 caps for Brazil, fourth-most in the nation's history. Named to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in a 2002 fan poll.

What did winning the 2002 World Cup mean for Brazil? Was that squad the best you ever played with? Did the All-Star Team selection validate your position change?

2012 Life

Announced retirement at 39. Over 1,100 professional appearances across clubs and international play. One of the few players ever to reach that number. Called the most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game. He played defense like he was still a forward.

Over 1,100 appearances -- was retirement relief or grief? Were you still a forward trapped in a defender's role? What does 'the most offensive left-back in history' mean to you?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Roberto Carlos's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.