Real Madrid wasn't just about their flamboyant play on the pitch. In the locker room, the atmosphere was just as intense, marked by strong personalities and a unique bond between the players. When asked about this golden era, Roberto Carlos confides that the biggest joker in the group was none other than... himself, while Fernando Hierro played the role of protector, a true "dad" to his teammates. Alongside Raúl, Beckham, Figo, Zidane, Morientes, Karembeu, and Seedorf, each brought their own unique touch, but the goal remained the same: to win. "It was a wonderful family," he sums up, highlighting the collective strength that made them almost invincible.

Like many great champions, Roberto Carlos also had his rituals. Before each match, he would call his mother, a simple gesture, but vital to building confidence. He deliberately wore a jersey larger than his size, which he then resized himself, sometimes giving certain pieces to his loved ones. These unusual habits, he said, were part of his balance.

To the younger generation, the Brazilian legend delivers a clear message: respect for coaches, camaraderie with teammates, discipline, and honesty. Values that, in his eyes, go beyond football and build honest men. “You also have to play with a smile, like the Brazilians, the Senegalese, and many Africans do,” he adds, emphasizing joy as the driving force behind the game.

Among his most memorable memories, two moments come back with emotion: Real Madrid's victory in the Champions League final against Juventus, after a 32-year wait, and Brazil's victory against Germany in the 2002 World Cup. “Moments etched forever, filled with pride and pure emotion,” he says nostalgically.

Between secrets, surprising rituals and dressing room anecdotes, Roberto Carlos's testimony offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a team that has become legendary. This meeting took place during the Afrika Banque ceremony, in partnership with Real Madrid, where the former Madrid left-back was the guest of honor.