MOSCOW, RUSSIA - OCTOBER 2, 2018: Retired Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos seen ahead of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League Group G Round 2 football match between CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid at Luzhniki Stadium. Valery Sharifulin/TASS PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxONLY TS092391
Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos has revealed how a devastating combination of agent and family problems left him with just a fraction of the fortune he amassed during his glittering football career.
The former Brazil international, who helped the country lift the 2002 FIFA World Cup, disclosed the staggering loss while speaking at the Portugal Football Summit this week.
Carlos, whose wealth was once reportedly estimated at about £133 million, said he was left with virtually nothing after what he described as serious financial problems involving agents and family members.
“I had problems with people who left me with zero money,” he said, according to Globo. “Because of agents and family issues, I lost 99 per cent of everything I had earned in football.
“I made mistakes, and that’s why I ask younger players not to make the same mistakes.
“On a Thursday, I went to bed at midnight, and on Friday, I received a bunch of papers I didn’t even know existed. That’s when I lost my entire history.”
The financial crisis came amid a difficult period in Carlos’ personal life, including his divorce from his wife of 15 years, Mariana Luccon, in 2025.
The separation was reportedly expected to involve a complicated financial settlement given Carlos’ substantial wealth.
The former left-back subsequently dismissed reports that he had been forced to live at Real Madrid’s training ground following the divorce.
Carlos said he was instead staying at a private residence with the support of his family, while his legal team handled the matter.
As he attempted to rebuild his finances, the former football star said he also relied on the support of a friend.
Despite the financial setback, Carlos said he had always planned for life after football and had already begun building a career away from the pitch.
“I always thought about my post-career,” he said. “It means building a legacy as a player and using your image.
“When I decided to stop playing football, I already had a sports director’s license and was working with many brands.”
Carlos retired from professional football in 2012 after a remarkable career that saw him play for several clubs, most notably Real Madrid and Anzhi Makhachkala.
At the height of his career, he reportedly earned as much as £85,000 per week.
The Brazilian left-back, renowned for his blistering pace and powerful free kicks, now serves as an ambassador for Real Madrid.
