Roberto Carlos Undergoes Emergency Heart Surgery in Brazil
Roberto Carlos has undergone emergency heart surgery after a serious medical issue was detected during routine checks in Brazil, prompting swift intervention for the former Real Madrid and Brazil left back.
The 52 year old had initially been admitted to hospital after doctors discovered a small blood clot in his leg, a concern that emerged shortly after his return home from an intense period of travel that included attending the 2026 World Cup draw in the United States.
Further examinations soon changed the picture. A full body MRI scan revealed an underlying heart problem, leading medical staff to recommend immediate surgery. According to Diario AS, the procedure involved fitting a tube and was expected to last around 40 minutes but extended to nearly three hours due to complications.
Carlos is now said to be recovering well and will remain under observation in hospital for the next 48 hours as a precaution. Speaking through members of his entourage, the former defender reassured fans by saying he is fine following the operation.
The episode comes just weeks after Carlos was inducted into GOAL’s Hall of Fame, a recognition of a career that reshaped expectations for full backs at the highest level of the game.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest left backs, Carlos built his reputation on explosive pace, relentless attacking intent, and a left foot capable of producing moments that bordered on the unbelievable. His 40 yard free kick against France in the 1997 Tournoi de France remains one of the sport’s most replayed goals.
On the international stage, Carlos was part of Brazil’s squad that finished runners up at the 1998 World Cup before playing a key role in their triumphant 2002 campaign in South Korea and Japan, when the Seleção lifted their fifth world title.
At club level, his journey took him from União São João to Inter Milan before an 11 year spell at Real Madrid beginning in 1996. During that period, he won four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies, cementing his place as a modern great before later spells with Fenerbahçe.
Individually, Carlos came close to football’s top personal honor in 2002, finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Ronaldo, with Oliver Kahn completing the top three. His international medal haul also includes two Copa América titles and a Confederations Cup.
For now, the focus is firmly on recovery. Carlos is expected to remain under close medical supervision in the short term, with further updates likely once doctors are satisfied with his progress and long term outlook.