Brazilian football legend and former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has undergone emergency heart surgery and is now in stable condition, according to reports from Spanish media outlet AS. The 52-year-old was hospitalized after a routine medical examination uncovered a serious cardiac issue.
From Leg Check to Heart Surgery: What Happened?
The health scare began when the iconic left-back went for a standard medical test on his leg. The examination revealed a small blood clot. As a precautionary measure, doctors conducted a full-body MRI scan. This scan unexpectedly showed that his heart was not functioning properly, necessitating immediate intervention.
Carlos was promptly admitted for surgery to have a catheter inserted. The procedure, initially estimated to last about 40 minutes, encountered complications and extended to nearly three hours. His representative later confirmed to AS that the surgery was successful and that Roberto Carlos is now fine and recovering.
A Glittering Career: Trophies and Accolades
Roberto Carlos is celebrated as one of the greatest defenders in football history. His career is decorated with the sport's most prestigious trophies. He earned 127 caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring 11 goals. His crowning achievement was winning the FIFA World Cup in 2002 at the Yokohama Stadium in Japan, a watershed moment for him and his nation.
At club level, he achieved legendary status during his tenure with Real Madrid. He played 584 matches for Los Blancos, netting 71 goals, many from his trademark thunderous free-kicks. His trophy haul with Madrid includes four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. He left the Spanish giants in 2007 to join Fenerbahce in Turkey.
His individual honours are equally impressive. He was the runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997 and finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting in 2002. He also won the UEFA Defender of the Year award in both 2002 and 2003.
The Indian Connection and Retirement
Roberto Carlos also has a notable link to Indian football. In 2015, he was signed as a player-manager for Delhi Dynamos during the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL). His stint with the now-defunct club lasted until 2016, bringing his star power to the growing Indian football landscape.
The global football icon had announced his retirement from competitive football in August 2012 at the age of 39, concluding a remarkable 20-year professional career. The news of his emergency surgery has sent waves of concern and support from fans worldwide, who are now relieved to hear of his stable condition.
