Carlos Roa Biography: The Life of the Argentine Footballer
Carlos Roa is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is widely known for his eccentric personality and his decision to retire from football in 1999 to prepare for the end of the world. Roa’s career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several clubs in Argentina and Spain, including Racing Avellaneda, Lanús, and Real Mallorca.
Roa was born on August 15, 1969, in Santa Fe, Argentina. He began his football career with Racing Avellaneda in 1989 and quickly became one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country. After a successful stint with Racing, he moved to Spain in 1994 to join Real Mallorca, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1998. However, his decision to retire from football in 1999 at the age of 30 to prepare for the end of the world made headlines around the world.
Despite his retirement, Roa returned to football in 2001 and played for several clubs in Argentina before finally retiring in 2006. Since then, he has been involved in various post-career activities, including coaching and charity work. In this article, we will explore Roa’s life and career in detail, from his early life and career beginnings to his legacy and impact on the world of football.
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Roa is a former Argentine professional footballer known for his eccentric personality and his decision to retire from football in 1999 to prepare for the end of the world.
- Roa’s career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several clubs in Argentina and Spain, including Racing Avellaneda, Lanús, and Real Mallorca.
- Despite his retirement, Roa returned to football in 2001 and played for several clubs in Argentina before finally retiring in 2006. Since then, he has been involved in various post-career activities, including coaching and charity work.
Early Life
Carlos Roa was born on August 15, 1969, in Santa Fe, Argentina. He started playing football professionally for Racing Club de Avellaneda, making his Primera División debut on November 6, 1988, at the age of 19.
During a summer tour of Africa with the club, Roa contracted malaria, but he fully recovered. His strong faith in God, which he attributes to his mother’s influence, helped him through the difficult time.
Roa’s talent as a goalkeeper soon became evident, and he was signed by Mallorca in 1994, where he won one major trophy with the club. He also played for other Spanish clubs, including Logroñés, Albacete, and Real Betis.
Roa’s performances on the pitch earned him a place in the Argentina national team, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the 1998 World Cup. His impressive performances helped Argentina reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were knocked out by the Netherlands on penalties.
Throughout his career, Roa remained a devout Seventh-day Adventist and carried a Bible with him wherever he went. His religious beliefs played a significant role in his decision to retire from football at the age of 30, despite being at the peak of his career.
Career Beginnings
Carlos Roa was born on August 15, 1969, in Marcos Juárez, Argentina. He started playing football professionally for Racing Club de Avellaneda in 1990. Roa played for Racing for four seasons, during which he made 120 appearances and helped the team win the 1992 Supercopa Sudamericana.
In 1994, Roa moved to Spain and joined Mallorca. During his time at Mallorca, Roa played in 178 matches and helped the team win the 1998 Copa del Rey. Roa’s impressive performances at Mallorca earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team for the 1998 World Cup.
At the 1998 World Cup, Roa played a pivotal role in Argentina’s run to the quarter-finals. He kept four clean sheets in the tournament, including a memorable performance in the Round of 16 match against England, where he made a crucial save from a penalty taken by David Beckham. Roa’s performances at the World Cup attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester United and AC Milan.
Time at Real Mallorca
Initial Years
After his successful stint at Lanus, Carlos Roa joined Real Mallorca in 1997. Roa quickly became a fan favorite and helped the team finish fifth in La Liga in his first season. He also played a crucial role in the team’s run to the Copa del Rey final, where they lost to Barcelona.
Promotion to La Liga
In the following season, Roa was instrumental in helping Real Mallorca gain promotion to La Liga. He kept a clean sheet in the playoff final against Villarreal, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Mallorca. Roa’s performances in the promotion campaign earned him widespread recognition and praise.
1998 FIFA World Cup
Roa’s impressive performances for Real Mallorca earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s run to the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by the Netherlands on penalties. Roa made a name for himself in the tournament with his penalty-saving heroics against England in the round of 16, which helped Argentina progress to the next round.
During his time at Real Mallorca, Roa established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga. His performances earned him a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1999.
Retirement and Return
First Retirement
In 1999, Carlos Roa announced his retirement from football at the age of 29. He cited religious reasons as the main cause for his decision. Roa believed that the world was coming to an end, and he wanted to devote his life to his faith. He spent three years in a religious retreat, during which time he did not play football.
Return to Football
In 2002, Roa returned to football, signing with Spanish club RCD Mallorca. He played for two seasons before returning to Argentina to play for Olimpo de Bahía Blanca in 2004. In 2005, he signed with Spanish club Albacete Balompié, where he played until 2006.
Final Retirement
In 2006, Roa announced his retirement from football for the second time. This time, he stated that he wanted to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. Roa ended his career with 15 caps for the Argentina national team and a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
During his time away from football, Roa wrote a book about his experiences called “El Arquero de la Fe” (The Goalkeeper of Faith). The book chronicles his decision to retire and his experiences in the religious retreat. It also discusses his return to football and his final retirement.
Overall, Roa’s retirement and return to football was a unique and controversial chapter in his career. While his decision to retire at the height of his career may have seemed strange to some, it ultimately allowed him to pursue his faith and return to the game he loved with a renewed sense of purpose.
Post-Career Activities
Coaching Career
After retiring from professional football, Carlos Roa pursued a career in coaching. He started as a goalkeeper coach at Racing Club de Avellaneda, where he played for many years. In 2011, he was appointed as the goalkeeper coach of AEK Athens FC, a Greek Super League club. He remained in that position until 2013.
In 2014, Roa returned to his homeland and became the goalkeeper coach of Club Atlético Tigre. In 2015, he joined Club Atlético Sarmiento as the assistant coach. He left the club in 2016, and since then, he has not been involved in coaching.
Philanthropy
Carlos Roa is known for his philanthropic activities. He is a devout Seventh-day Adventist and has been involved in several charitable organizations run by his church. In 2001, he founded the Carlos Roa Foundation, which aims to help underprivileged children in Argentina. The foundation provides scholarships, medical assistance, and other forms of support to children in need.
In 2002, Roa was awarded the “Spirit of Sport” award by the United Nations for his humanitarian work. He has also been recognized by the Argentine government for his contributions to society.
In addition to his foundation, Roa has also been involved in other charitable activities. He has participated in several campaigns to raise awareness about cancer and other diseases. He has also been involved in campaigns to promote education and sports among children.
Legacy and Impact
Carlos Roa has had a significant impact on the world of football, both on and off the pitch. As a player, he was known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and his ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations. Roa’s performances helped his teams achieve great success, including winning the Copa del Rey with RCD Mallorca in 1998 and reaching the final of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with the same team the following year.
Off the pitch, Roa is perhaps best known for his decision to retire from football in 1999 in order to devote himself to his religious beliefs. At the time, Roa was playing for RCD Mallorca and was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, he announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season in order to become a Seventh-day Adventist. Roa’s decision was met with surprise and confusion by many in the football world, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
Roa’s decision to retire from football had a significant impact on the sport. It sparked a debate about the role of religion in football and raised questions about the pressures that professional athletes face. Roa’s decision also had a personal impact on his own life, as he faced criticism and ridicule from some members of the football community.
Despite the challenges he faced, Roa remained committed to his beliefs and continued to live a life guided by his faith. He has since become an advocate for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has spoken publicly about his decision to retire from football. Roa’s legacy as both a footballer and a person of faith is a testament to his strength of character and his commitment to his beliefs.
Personal Life
Carlos Roa was born on August 15, 1969, in Argentina. He is a devout Christian and has been vocal about his faith throughout his career. In 1999, he made headlines when he decided to take a sabbatical from football to focus on his religious beliefs. During this time, he lived in a monastery in Spain and contemplated becoming a priest.
Roa is married and has four children. He has kept his personal life private, and there is not much information available about his family. However, he has been open about his love for his wife and children in interviews.
Apart from his religious beliefs, Roa is also known for his interest in philosophy and psychology. He has spoken about the importance of mental strength in football and has credited his success as a goalkeeper to his ability to stay focused and calm under pressure.
Overall, Roa’s personal life has been marked by his strong faith and his dedication to his family. Despite his success as a footballer, he has always remained grounded and focused on the things that matter most to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led Carlos Roa to retire from football?
Carlos Roa, the former Argentine goalkeeper, retired from football at the age of 30, at the peak of his career. He cited religious reasons for his decision, as he is a devout Seventh-day Adventist. Roa believed that the end of the world was near, and he wanted to focus on his faith and prepare himself for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
What is the Carlos Roa National Interest?
The Carlos Roa National Interest is a term used to describe the phenomenon that occurred in Argentina during the 1998 World Cup. Roa’s decision to retire from football to focus on his faith and beliefs caused a national interest in his story. The media and the public were fascinated by his unique personality and his religious convictions.
What is the story behind Carlos Roa’s religious conversion?
Carlos Roa’s religious conversion occurred when he was playing for Mallorca in Spain. He met a Seventh-day Adventist family who introduced him to their faith. Roa was impressed by their lifestyle and their strong beliefs, and he decided to convert to their religion. Since then, he has been a devout Seventh-day Adventist and has been known for carrying a Bible with him everywhere he goes.
How did Carlos Roa become a professional footballer?
Carlos Roa started playing football at a young age in his hometown of Santa Fe, Argentina. He played for several local clubs before joining Racing Club de Avellaneda in 1990. He then moved to Spain to play for Mallorca, where he became a fan favorite and earned his nickname “the lettuce” due to his bald head. He also played for the Argentine national team and helped them reach the quarter-finals of the 1998 World Cup.
What was Carlos Roa’s role in Argentina’s 1998 World Cup team?
Carlos Roa played a crucial role in Argentina’s 1998 World Cup team. He was the starting goalkeeper and helped Argentina reach the quarter-finals of the tournament. He made several important saves throughout the tournament, including a penalty save against England in the round of 16. Roa’s performances earned him widespread praise and established him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at that time.
Who was the footballer nicknamed ‘the lettuce’?
Carlos Roa was the footballer nicknamed “the lettuce”. The nickname was given to him during his time at Mallorca, where he became a fan favorite due to his bald head. The fans compared his head to a lettuce, and the nickname stuck with him throughout his career.