Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has embraced Islam, according to Turkish media reports citing Turkish lawmaker Ali Şahin.

Şahin said he learned about the reported conversion from Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community.

According to Şahin, Hammadeh said Carlos had been in contact with him for some time before meeting him in Brazil about four weeks ago.

During the meeting, Carlos reportedly recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, and embraced Islam, Şahin said.

The claim comes after Carlos married El Tahiri, who is of Moroccan origin and based in Spain.

Photos of the couple signing their marriage contract and celebrating their wedding resurfaced on social media on 17 August.

The marriage itself, however, was not recent. Reports about the couple’s relationship emerged earlier this year, while they reportedly held a private wedding ceremony on 25 July attended by family members and close friends.

However, Carlos has not publicly confirmed the reported conversion. The claim therefore remains unverified pending a direct statement from the former Brazil international.