Carlos routinely played in front of 80,000 people in football’s largest stadiums as a World Cup winner. However, Brazil and Real Madrid icon made his English debut for a Sunday League pub team on a village hall pitch in Shropshire.
Carlos and Barne United
When Bull in the Barne United won the chance to sign him in a £5 charity raffle last month, they couldn’t believe their luck. Fans began flocking early to watch Carlos at Hanwood Village Hall and Recreation Centre on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.
However, the 48-year-old retired footballer was left on the bench – inside a rickety, wooden dugout – for the start of the encounter against Harlescott Rangers FC, reportedly due to a knee ailment.
When he finally put on his maroon No 3 shirt, the super-sub played center midfield to ‘Bobby’ cheers from the crowd of about 100. Many were unhappy, though, when Carlos failed to take a free-kick awarded to his team minutes later.
He gained the nickname ‘the human cannon’ after a physics-defying 40-yard free-kick for Brazil against France in June 1997. Carlos only got nine minutes of playing time yesterday, and he only touched the ball four times. In the second half, he came on for a few seconds to score a penalty before returning to the touchline.
About the Cameo Appearance
His cameo participation wasn’t enough to save his side from a 4-3 loss, but everyone acknowledged it was a fantastic show. ‘It can’t get much better for us,’ said Liam Turrall, 29, of Bull in the Barne United, who pushed goalkeeper-manager Ed Speller, 30, to enter the raffle.
“As amateur footballers, we dreamt of being professional players but this is the next best thing – to play along with someone like him.”
Ryan Kenny, 30, of Harlescott Rangers, who tackled Carlos on his second touch of the ball, said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When we were told about the match, I knew I had to take the day off. I told my seven-year-old son I was playing against Roberto and I don’t think he believed me. It’s been a brilliant day.”
About the Match
eBay organized the match to raise funds for Football Beyond Borders, a UK-based education organization that works with students from underserved communities. The online auction company reached Carlos, who now resides in Madrid, and he loved the notion of assisting the organization.
He addressed the children who had been brought to the game through Football Beyond Borders, emphasizing the significance of obtaining a decent education as well as pursuing their sporting ambitions.
Carlos stated he didn’t mind playing on the scruffy surface after the game, but admits he was scared when he was called upon to take the spot in the last minutes. He said: “The English fans are amazing.”
Later, Carlos and the team drank a few beers in the pub that bears their namesake. Richard Dixon, a landlord, stated: “He was a gentleman. He took the time to speak to everyone. It rounded off a perfect day.”
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