When fans visit a football stadium to watch their team, they are often eager to get their hands on memorabilia and Roberto Carlos did just that.
Carlos played the beautiful game for over two decades, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest left-back in history. His peak came at Real Madrid where he starred in a Galactico side boasting the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham.
It's easy for fans to forget that most players just like them are lovers of the sport and are just as passionate. Swapping shirts after games has become a tradition but when Carlos has friends or family over, he has one of the most remarkable footballing keepsakes that Madrid fans would dream of.
Roberto Carlos took home Bernabeu stools
Carlos spent 11 seasons at the Estadio Bernabeu and enjoyed magical moments including winning the UEFA Champions League three times. He became a fan favourite with Los Blancos fans because of his unique ability, lethal left-footed strike and bubbly personality.
Some of Carlos' best matches and highlights took place at the Bernabeu, including 'the impossible goal' scored against Tenerife back in 1999. One of his trademark free-kicks got the ball rolling in a 3-0 win over Barcelona in El Clasico in 2000.
While the Striver co-founder left Madrid for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2007. But he never truly departed the Spanish club, still to this day associated with the most successful team in European football history.
In 2019, the Bernabeu underwent major expansion to modernise it and part of this upgrade included a transformation of seats in the stands. This meant new stools and Carlos jumped at the chance to take home some of the old ones.
Carlos is the proud owner of five stools from the old Bernabeu before it's renovation including seat three which is the number he famously wore. These blue stools are installed and are just part of the furniture for the 2002 World Cup winner.
Roberto Carlos and Brazilian Love for football memorabilia
For Carlos, he has essentially brought the Bernabeu back home with him, constantly reminded of the joys of representing Madrid. And some supporters who once sat in said chairs will likely be stunned to learn that they are now playing host to their iconic left-back and guests.
These stools are one of the most fascinating pieces of memorabilia for any football fan or former player. It shows Carlos' appreciation for his time at the Spanish stadium and collecting souvenirs is a staple of Brazilian football.
"When you notice the affection the people have towards you… it’s because we marked an era. We experienced marvelous moments in the Bernabéu, and every time I put on the shirt of Real Madrid, I knew that I had to do something good. Sometimes it didn’t work out for you, such as during some clásicos against Barcelona. In the 11 years that I wore the shirt of Real Madrid, I believe I brought more joy than sadness to the fans" - Roberto Carlos told RMTV.
Carlos has a long way to go in reaching Cassio Brandao's record for football memorabilia. The world-renowned kit collector has more than 8,000 match-worn jerseys, including those worn by Pele and Garrincha.
