Brazil legend Roberto Carlos undergoes emergency heart surgery

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack that required emergency surgery earlier this week, Spanish media reported on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old former left-back, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, was on vacation in Brazil when he visited a hospital in São Paulo for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up on his leg. During examinations, doctors discovered a serious underlying issue — a blood clot that had significantly reduced his heart’s pumping capacity.

Medical staff quickly decided that immediate surgery was required. The procedure, which reportedly lasted around three hours, was successful, and Roberto Carlos is now said to be in stable condition and under close medical observation.

Sources close to the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner told Spanish outlet Marca that his recovery is progressing well. Roberto Carlos himself confirmed the positive update in comments to AS, saying: “I’m doing well now and I’m under close observation.”

Doctors are expected to keep him in hospital for at least another two days to monitor his condition before deciding on the next steps in his recovery process.

Roberto Carlos enjoyed a glittering playing career that spanned nearly two decades. He earned 127 caps for Brazil and was a key figure in their 2002 World Cup triumph in South Korea and Japan. At club level, he became a global icon during his time at Real Madrid, where he played 527 competitive matches between 1996 and 2007.

During his spell at the Spanish giants, Roberto Carlos won four La Liga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy three times, establishing himself as one of the most influential attacking full-backs the game has ever seen.

Since retiring from professional football, Roberto Carlos has remained closely associated with Real Madrid and currently serves as an ambassador for the club.

Fans and former teammates from across the football world have sent messages of support, wishing the Brazilian great a full and speedy recovery.