Roberto Carlos 'lost 99%' of £137 million earnings from playing career

Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos has urged young players to "not make the same mistakes" he did after revealing he lost 99 per cent of everything he earned during his illustrious playing career.

The 53-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, is thought to have earned an estimated €160 million (£137.6m) during his career as a professional footballer.

But despite lucrative stints at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Fenebahce, amongst other clubs, Carlos recently admitted he made mistakes involving people who "emptied" his bank account.

A report from Globo suggests he faced problems with agents and family issues.

READ MORE: The incredible story of when Roberto Carlos played in a Sunday League game

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, Carlos candidly spoke about his off-field issues and opened up on the moment that meant he "lost" his entire history.

“I had problems with people who emptied my bank account. I lost 99% of everything I earned from football," he said.

"I had a very serious family problem. On Thursday, I went to bed at midnight and on Friday, I received a pile of documents I knew nothing about. That’s when I realised I had lost my entire history.

“I made mistakes, and therefore, I ask younger players not to do the same. I always thought about future plans after my playing career."

Carlos added: “It’s about building a history as a player and leveraging your image. When I decided to leave football, I already had my sporting director’s licence and was working with many brands.”

Roberto Carlos enjoyed a trophy-laden career. Image credit: Getty

Roberto Carlos deserved to win the Ballon d'Or, according to Ronaldo

Carlos, who lifted three Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles across his 24-year career, missed out on the Ballon d'Or, despite coming close after winning the World Cup in 2002.

READ MORE: Gianluigi Buffon saved one of Roberto Carlos' most powerful free-kicks ever with one hand

The Brazilian full-back should have won the trophy, according to former teammate Ronaldo Nazario, who also thinks Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti and Paolo Maldini deserved to claim the gong alongside Andres Iniesta and Raul.

"Del Piero, Totti, Maldini, Raul Gonzalez... and I think Roberto Carlos, too, because he was twice behind me in the voting. I think these players deserved [the Ballon d'Or]," he told Cadena Ser.

"Iniesta deserved a Ballon d'Or, but he doesn't need it, he already has an incredible list of trophies and a great career. He is the best Spanish player of all time. I thank him for his quality, his football and his generosity."