The Socca World Cup in Essen witnessed astonishing scenes yesterday as former Brazil star Roberto Carlos made a surprise appearance to watch a game, sending the arena at Kennedyplats into pandemonium. Carlos, who is also an Ambassador for Leisure Leagues, was greeted with immense excitement from the crowd and players alike.

The football legend’s – with almost 600 club games and 125 appearances for Brazil in a glittering career that spanned over half a century – presence added an extra dose of star power to the tournament, and his unexpected visit brought the sell-out to their feet. As news of Carlos’ arrival spread, spectators rushed to catch a glimpse of the iconic left-back, causing a wave of excitement to sweep through the venue.

Carlos, known for his powerful free-kicks and incredible performances during his illustrious career, would have been delighted with the performance of his compatriots. The current 6-a-side world champions put on a magnificent display, defeating Turkey 3-0 in the final group match.

An International Socca Federation spokesman expressed their delight at Carlos’ appearance, stating, “It was truly great to see Roberto Carlos at the Socca World Cup. His presence here is a testament to the quality of football on show and the level of excitement the tournament generates.”

The spokesman went on to mention the impact that such a prominent figure has on the sport and its participants, saying, “When someone of Carlos’ stature shows up, it inspires players to push their limits and reinforces the global appeal of Socca.”

Carlos has long been an Ambassador for Leisure Leagues—an organisation that aims to promote football at grassroots levels—has been actively involved in promoting the sport worldwide, with over 1m players playing across the globe.