Roberto Carlos admits ‘banana’ free-kick was a fluke as Brazil legend turns myth-buster on his own strike
Ex-Real Madrid star set the globe alight with unbelievable strike against France which defied the laws of science
FOOTBALL fans around the world are sure to be devastated after Roberto Carlos revealed his magical ‘banana’ free-kick for Brazil was a FLUKE.
The legendary left-back made his name on the international stage in 1997 when his powerful strike defied the laws of science and nature to BEND around a wall of French players and into the net.
Carlos’ goal has long baffled supporters of all clubs and countries, with many declaring it to be possibly the greatest kick of all time.
Even physics boffins found it hard to explain how the ball ended up flying past Fabien Barthez.
But the illusion of magic has now been shattered by the man himself, who explains that a gust of wind helped send the ball round France’s bewildered players.
He told L’Equipe: “The ball was going completely wide but the wind brought it back to the goal. It was a miracle.”
Carlos retired from professional football in 2012 after a short spell with Russians Anzhi, but donned his boots for two games in the colours of Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos two years ago.
Carlos started his career in Brazil with Palmeiras, winning two league titles before completing a move to Inter Milan.
ZE GOODBYE Brazil legend Ze Roberto hangs up his boots aged 43
But he only lasted in Italy for a year before Real Madrid came calling, with Carlos going on to win four La Ligas and three Champions Leagues while making over 500 appearances.
He enjoyed a few seasons in Turkey with Fenerbahce afterwards, winning two Super Cups, and also spent a season at Corinthians before moving to Russia.
Carlos is also one of Brazil’s most-capped players in history, pulling on the famous yellow jersey 125 times.
He won the World Cup in 2002, as well as two Copa Americas and a Confederations Cup, and was runner-up in the 2002 Ballon d’Or despite picking up a string of other individual and star XI awards.
