Roberto Carlos, the Brazilian football legend renowned for his powerful free-kicks and vibrant personality, leads a life off the pitch as colorful as the iconic yellow jersey he wore for his national team. Having amassed a fortune estimated at £133 million through a stellar football career and shrewd investments, Carlos now finds himself embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with his wife of over 15 years, Mariana Luccon. This latest chapter adds another layer of complexity to a life already marked by unconventional choices and a large, extended family.
The couple, who share two children, Manuela and Marina, are reportedly separating, sparking a contentious dispute over Carlos’s considerable wealth. Adding to the drama, reports suggest Carlos has been residing at Real Madrid’s training ground, a familiar haven from his playing days where he achieved legendary status, winning four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. This unusual living arrangement underscores the tumultuous nature of his current personal life as he navigates the complexities of the impending divorce settlement.
Carlos’s personal life has long been a subject of public interest, particularly his expansive family. He has openly acknowledged fathering eleven children with seven different women, a revelation that has generated both amusement and criticism. His children are scattered across the globe, residing in Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, and Spain, forming a unique and geographically dispersed family unit. This complex family dynamic adds a unique dimension to his life, as he navigates the challenges and joys of fatherhood across continents.
Beyond his family life, Carlos maintains strong ties with his footballing past. He shares a close bond with fellow Brazilian icon Ronaldo, affectionately referring to him as his “blood brother.” Their friendship, forged over two decades of shared experiences on the pitch and in training camps, remains a constant in Carlos’s life. Ronaldo has even humorously claimed to have spent more nights rooming with Carlos than with any woman, highlighting the depth of their camaraderie and shared history. Further demonstrating his connection to the game, Carlos continues to indulge his passion for football by participating in amateur matches, showcasing his enduring love for the sport even in retirement.
Despite hanging up his professional boots in 2012, Carlos has made several intriguing forays back onto the pitch. He took on a player-manager role for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League, demonstrating his continued desire to contribute to the game. In a more surprising move, he even graced the field for a Sunday league team in Shrewsbury, England, embracing the grassroots level of the sport and delighting fans with his still-impressive skills. These unexpected appearances reflect his enduring passion for football and his willingness to engage with the sport at all levels.
As Carlos grapples with his current personal challenges, the contrast between his luxurious lifestyle and his current living situation is stark. While his wife and in-laws reportedly occupy his properties in Madrid, he finds himself residing in the more modest accommodations of the Real Madrid training ground, typically reserved for young players. This temporary arrangement symbolizes the upheaval in his life as he navigates the complexities of divorce and the division of his considerable assets. The future holds uncertainty for Carlos, as he seeks to resolve his marital issues and chart a new course in his personal life, all while maintaining his connections to the sport that made him a global icon.
