Football fans might have come across a bit of news in January, one entailing that Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos was prepared to play for a Sunday League club for only £5.
Yes, you read that right, and the amount as well. The announcement came as part of the ‘Dream Team’ transfer campaign, offering Sunday League clubs in the UK a chance to ‘sign a legend for a week’
The campaign serves a noble purpose and all the proceeds from the raffle will be put towards helping disadvantaged young people. And as the winter transfer window slammed shut, Roberto Carlos’ signature was miraculously acquired by a team from Shropshire. Namely, Bull in the Barne United, the club proudly announced the mega signing and confirmed that the Brazilian joins the club for ‘one extraordinary day of football’.
Last seen playing testimonial and charity games, Carlos is no stranger to the odd footballing venture, as his last professional game came all the way back in 2015 for the Indian Super League side, Delhi Dynamos. Nevertheless, his Sunday League endeavour is certainly the strangest of his career so far.
Wishing to know how the former Real Madrid man got on? Well, we have all the details for you from Roberto Carlos’ debut for Bull in the Barne United in the Shrewsbury and District Sunday League Division One match against Harlescott Rangers.
The fullback made his Sunday League, coming on during the first half as… a central midfielder. For those wondering why he didn’t get the start, a software engineer was reportedly the primary choice.
After all, no one’s bigger than the badge, right?
His first half efforts didn’t lead to any noteworthy moments and he was brought off before the start of the second. His side trailed 2-0, and eventually, he was presented with an opportunity to reduce the deficit. The 48-year-old came on once again during the second half, this time to take a late penalty for Barne. He slotted the ball home and marked his Sunday League debut with a goal.
PENALTY! 4-3, Roberto Carlos slots home pic.twitter.com/bR4c84av0I
— Lokomotiv Reabrook (@LokomotiveReab1) March 4, 2022
Unfortunately, for all his efforts, United ended up losing the contest 4-3.
However, we’re sure that couldn’t have bothered the Brazilian too much, as he got a chance to dust off his boots, while helping a truly noble cause.