Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:18 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:19 p.m.
Roberto Carlos (52 years old), the former star of Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, was diagnosed with cardiac dysfunction following medical tests. The former international underwent surgery and told the press in Spain that he is in good condition.
The former Real Madrid footballer (1996-2007) was on holiday in his native country. He went for a medical checkup for a minor problem in his leg, a blood clot, but the doctors decided to do a full body MRI. On this occasion, it was found that a significant part of his heart was not working properly.
Roberto Carlos, emergency operation in Brazil: the operation was supposed to last 40 minutes, but there were complications
He was immediately admitted for surgery and the implantation of a catheter, a thin tube that will help his heart function normally. The operation, which was supposed to last 40 minutes, was extended to almost three hours due to complications that arose during the procedure. In the end, everything went well and the Real Madrid ambassador is out of danger, but under strict surveillance. He will remain under observation for another 48 hours to monitor the progress of his recovery, according to sportal.blic.rs.
Spanish daily AS contacted the footballer and his relatives to reassure the public, and Roberto Carlos said: “I'm fine now”.
Roberto Carlos is one of Brazil's legendary full-backs. He started his career at Atletico Mineiro and also played in his native country for Uniao Sao Joao and Palmeiras before making the move to Europe.
He first arrived at Inter where he played for one season, and then he arrived at Real Madrid where he stayed from 1996 to 2007. He also played in Europe at Fenerbahce for three seasons, returned to Brazil at Corinthians, and then played at Anzhi. The last club he played for was Delhi Dynamos.
He has 127 games and 11 goals for the Selecao and is a world champion. He has the most matches for Real Madrid: 527, 69 goals, 117 assists. He won 3 Champions League trophies, 4 Spanish titles, 3 domestic Super Cups and a European Super Cup with the blanco club.
