Not only was Roberto Carlos one of the greatest left-backs seen in football, but he's one of the most popular players in the game's history as well with his astonishing free-kicks and long-range shooting videos being seen by millions around the world over the years. He has even been described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game", which goes on to show how special Carlos was offensively. The fact he finished as runner-up in the 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year awards despite being a left-back makes a strong case of why he could arguably be the greatest in his position.
This article will be looking at Carlos's time at Real Madrid, which saw the Brazilian establish himself as one of the best in the world.
Why is Roberto Carlos considered one of the greatest left-backs in football history, particularly during his time at Real Madrid?
Roberto Carlos is revered as one of football's finest left-backs due to his offensive prowess, stunning free-kicks, and decade-long impact at Real Madrid. Winning numerous titles, including four La Liga championships and three Champions League titles, his legendary stint ended on a high note with a crucial goal securing the 2006–07 La Liga title.
From Italy to Spain
Robert Carlos joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in the 1996 close season, then Madrid coach Fabio Capello was shocked that a player of his caliber was available for a transfer and immediately directed the club to strike an agreement with Inter. The transfer was eventually made official for a bargain £4.5 million fee.
Impact for Los Blancos
The Brazilian went on to become the first-choice left-back of the club for the next decade, from the 1996–97 season till the 2006–07 season. In his 11 seasons with Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos made 584 appearances and scored over 84 goals which was simply sensational for a left-back. He also became the most capped foreign-born player in La Liga with 370 appearances, after breaking the previous record of 329 held by Alfredo Di Stéfano in January 2006.
Along with Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos was also considered to be the best left-back in the world during his time at Madrid. His influence and status as a high-profile player also saw him considered as one of Real Madrid's Galácticos at the time, which included the likes of Zidane, Figo, Beckham, and Ronaldo.
Individual and collective accolades at Madrid
Roberto Carlos ended up winning 4 La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid, and was also a part of 3 Champions League final victories in 1998,2000, and 2002 respectively. It was also Carlos who assisted Zidane's legendary goal in the 2002 Champions League final, which is considered to be one of the greatest goals in the tournament's history. He has also won the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup with Real individual accomplishments also followed by the Brazilian at Real, with Carlos being named as Club Defender of the Year and also being included in the UEFA Team of the Year in both 2002 and 2003.
An unfortunate end to a legendary stint
In March 2007, Roberto Carlos was responsible for conceding the quickest goal in Champions League history, as his mistake allowed Roy Makaay to score against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Carlos ended up receiving huge criticism after the match, as it played a major role in Real's elimination from the tournament.
On 9 March 2007, Carlos announced that he would leave Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2006–07 season, marking the end of a legendary 11 year stint with the club.
Roberto Carlos was still able to leave Madrid on a high note, as his final goal for the club was a stoppage-time winner against Recreativo de Huelva with three games remaining in the 2006–07 La Liga season. The goal ended up being immensely crucial for Los Blancos, as it helped them get closer to the La Liga title.
Madrid eventually finished the season level on points with Barcelona, becoming champions via the head-to-head rule. Real Madrid and Roberto Carlos clinched La Liga in his final match, which ended in a 3–1 home win over Mallorca. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium bid farewell to one of the greatest left-backs in the club's history on a historic note.
