Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has revealed that he lost 99% of the money he earned during his football career because of problems involving agents and his family.
The former left-back made the revelation while speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, where he discussed life after professional football and the importance of preparing for retirement.
“I lost 99% of my income from football because of agents and family problems,” Roberto Carlos said.
The 53-year-old admitted that he made mistakes during his career and used his experience to warn young footballers about the importance of managing their finances and planning for life after retirement.
“I made mistakes, and that’s why I ask young players not to repeat them,” he said.
Roberto Carlos also described how quickly he discovered the extent of his financial problems. He said he went to bed one Thursday night without knowing what was happening, only to receive several documents the following day that he had never seen before.
“I had a very serious family problem. On Thursday, I went to bed at midnight and on Friday, I received a pile of documents I knew nothing about. That’s when I realised I had lost my entire history,” he said.
Despite the setback, the former Brazil international said he was able to restructure his financial and family situation. He also stressed the need for players to build a strong personal brand while they are still active.
“When I decided to leave football, I already had my sporting director’s licence and was working with many brands,” he said.
Roberto Carlos enjoyed a highly successful playing career. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and claimed three Champions League titles and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
He now works as a Real Madrid ambassador and continues to use his experience to advise younger players on life beyond football.
