Roberto Carlos named as sub for Sunday League debut - but comes off bench to bag penalty

Roberto Carlos came off the bench to score during his sensational return to football with Sunday League outfit Bull In The Barne FC - but it wasn't enough to stop them losing

Rhys Daly Senior Sports Reporter

14:30, 04 Mar 2022

Roberto Carlos made what is likely to be his first and last Sunday League appearance for Shrewsbury based Bull In The Barne FC on Friday (February 4) - and even ended up on the scoresheet.

The 48-year-old former Brazil international, who called time on his professional career following a brief spell in India back in 2015, joined the Bulls after they won a £5 charity raffle on eBay.

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Fans turned up in their numbers to see Carlos in action against Harlescott Rangers at the Hanwood Recreation Ground - and he came off the bench to slot home a penalty during the closing stages.

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Although Carlos and his new team-mates ended up on the losing side of a 4-3 scoreline, the memorable appearance is likely to be the highlight of many Sunday League careers.

Roberto Carlos (right), playing for Bull In The Barne United, in action in the match at the Hanwood Village Hall Recreation Centre, Shrewsbury. Picture date: Friday March 4, 2022

Roberto Carlos came off the bench for Sunday League outfit Bull In The Barne FC(Image: PA Wire)

The legendary former Inter Milan and Real Madrid left-back won four La Liga titles and three Champions League titles during his career - as well as the 2002 World Cup.

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Known as one of the finest players of all time in his position, Carlos made 985 club appearances between 1991 and 2015 - scoring 117 goals.

Many of those goals came from direct free-kicks, with his effort for Brazil against France back in 1997 being remembered as one of the greatest goals ever.

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Roberto Carlos scores a penalty kick for Bull In The Barne United in the match at the Hanwood Village Hall Recreation Centre, Shrewsbury.

Roberto Carlos slotted home a late penalty to the delight of his team-mates and their fans(Image: PA Wire)

Roberto Carlos (centre) poses for photographs with Bull In The Barne United and Harlescott Rangers players after the final whistle in the match at the Hanwood Village Hall Recreation Centre, Shrewsbury. Picture date: Friday March 4, 2022.

Roberto Carlos and his new team-mates ended up on the losing side of a 4-3 scoreline(Image: PA Wire)

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The raffle scheme was put together to help disadvantaged young people in the community, and also saw former Chelsea star Eni Aluko turn out for Pevensey and Westham FC.

Carlos had said before his appearance: "I'm excited to play for Bull in the Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.

"I've heard that the team's been down a number of players this season, so here's hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull in the Barne's fans want to see!"

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Soccer Football - Greenhous Shrewsbury and District Sunday League Division 1 - Roberto Carlos plays for Bull in the Barne United v Harlescott Rangers

The raffle scheme was put together to help disadvantaged young people in the community(Image: Reuters)

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Bull in the Barne manager and goalkeeper Ed Speller had said: "Roberto Carlos is one of those legends who's inspired so many young players' love of the game.

"My jaw absolutely dropped when we found out Bull in the Barne won the Dream Transfer and he'll be playing alongside the team in Shrewsbury.

"It should be a right laugh for him to come see what we're made of, with some tense free-kicks and hopefully no dodgy tackles!"

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