Sporting icons : Roberto Carlos - career highlights & video of Brazilian football genius

 

Roberto Carlos, born on April 10, 1973, is a retired Brazilian footballer renowned for his powerful free kicks and attacking prowess. He had a flamboyant playing style of an attacking left back . Roberto Carlos was known for his dynamic playing style, characterized by:

1. **Attacking Prowess**: He revolutionized the role of the left-back by adding an attacking dimension to his game. Carlos possessed exceptional pace, which he used to make overlapping runs down the left flank, providing width and creating scoring opportunities for his team.

2. **Powerful Shooting**: One of his most famous attributes was his thunderous long-range shots and free kicks. Carlos had an incredible ability to strike the ball with immense power and swerve, often leaving goalkeepers helpless.

3. **Defensive Tenacity**: Despite his attacking instincts, Carlos was also a solid defender. He had good positional awareness, timing in tackles, and the ability to track back quickly to thwart opposition attacks.

4. **Physicality**: Standing at 5'6" (1.68 m), Carlos was not the tallest player, but he compensated with his strength and physical presence on the pitch. He was not easily bullied off the ball and could hold his own against physically imposing opponents.

5. **Versatility**: While primarily known as a left-back, Roberto Carlos was versatile enough to play in midfield or even as a winger if required. His skill set allowed coaches to deploy him effectively in various tactical systems.

Overall, Roberto Carlos was a complete full-back who combined defensive solidity with attacking flair, making him one of the most iconic and influential players in the history of the game.

 His career highlights include:

1. **Real Madrid (1996-2007)**: Carlos enjoyed the peak of his career at Real Madrid, where he won four La Liga titles (1997, 2001, 2003, 2007), three UEFA Champions League titles (1998, 2000, 2002), and numerous other domestic and international trophies.

2. **Brazil National Team**: He represented Brazil in four FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010), winning the tournament in 2002. He earned 125 caps for Brazil and scored 11 goals, making him one of the most capped players for the national team.

3. **Free-Kick Specialist**: Roberto Carlos was renowned for his exceptional ability to score from free-kicks, famously bending the ball in ways that seemed impossible. One of his most memorable goals came in 1997 against France, where he scored an astonishing free-kick from an acute angle.

4. **Left-Back Dominance**: Carlos revolutionized the role of the attacking left-back, combining defensive solidity with blistering pace and attacking flair. His overlapping runs and precise crosses were crucial for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.

5. **Club Achievements**: Apart from his success at Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos had successful stints with other clubs including Palmeiras in Brazil and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.

6. **Individual Honors**: He received numerous individual awards throughout his career, including the FIFA World Player of the Year (Runner-up in 1997), UEFA Club Best Defender of the Year (2002), and inclusion in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (2002).

Roberto Carlos left an indelible mark on the world of football, both for his incredible skill on the pitch and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest left-backs of all time.

In the below video , watch some of his high level insane skills