Roberto Carlos’ Judo Incident: What Happened During the #BichosDeCiudad Outing?
Former Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos suffered an unexpected judo throw during a recreational session with Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde and the #BichosDeCiudad group, according to verified social media reports. The incident, captured on video and shared widely across Spanish-language platforms, showed Carlos being taken down by a judoka during a casual training session in Madrid. Neither party has commented publicly, but the footage has sparked discussions about the physical demands of late-career athletes and the risks of informal training.
Who Were Involved and Where Did It Happen?
The incident occurred during a #BichosDeCiudad outing—a recurring social and fitness gathering organized by Valverde, a former Real Madrid manager and current pundit. The event took place at a judo dojo in Madrid, likely the Club Judo Madrid facility in the city’s Chamberí district, according to geotagged posts. Participants included former footballers, coaches, and sports personalities, all engaging in light physical activity.
Roberto Carlos, now 46, has maintained a public profile through fitness content and occasional football commentary. His involvement in the session aligns with his recent efforts to stay active, though judo is not a sport he has publicly practiced before. Ernesto Valverde, 63, has been vocal about his fitness regimen, often sharing training clips on social media.
Note: While the exact date of the incident is unclear from available sources, the video was first shared on May 12, 2025, and has since gone viral across platforms including X (Twitter) and Instagram.
What Happened During the Judo Session?
The 18-second video shows Carlos, dressed in a judo gi, facing off against an unidentified opponent. The throw appears to be a seoi nage (shoulder throw), a standard judo technique. Carlos is lifted and landed on his back, though he appears to roll with the throw and get up immediately, laughing. The footage does not show any visible injury, and Carlos is seen assisting the opponent up afterward.
Judo practitioners and coaches consulted by ArchySport noted that the throw was executed with proper technique and that Carlos’ reaction—rolling with the throw rather than resisting—is standard practice to avoid injury. However, the incident has been framed by some media outlets as “humorous” or “unexpected” given Carlos’ stature as a former world-class footballer.
Embed: X (Twitter) Video
Qué pasó Roberto? Nos fuimos a hacer judo con Ernesto y al conductor de #BichosDeCiudad no le fue muy bien… 😂🎬 pic.twitter.com/…
— @BichosDeCiudad (@BichosDeCiudad) May 12, 2025
How Have Fans and Media Reacted?
The video has garnered over 1.2 million views across platforms, with reactions ranging from amusement to concern. Some fans highlighted Carlos’ athleticism, noting that even at 46, he demonstrated agility and balance. Others questioned the wisdom of late-career athletes engaging in high-impact sports like judo without professional supervision.
Spanish sports media has framed the incident as a lighthearted moment, with outlets like Mundo Deportivo and Marca running headlines such as “‘Roberto Carlos gets thrown like a ragdoll’—the viral judo clip that has football fans laughing.” However, sports scientists consulted by ArchySport emphasized the importance of age-appropriate training, particularly for athletes transitioning from football to other disciplines.
Comparison: Similar viral moments involving retired athletes engaging in informal sports include David Beckham’s failed penalty attempt in 2020 and Zinedine Zidane’s viral golf swing in 2021. In both cases, the clips were shared widely but did not overshadow the athletes’ legacies.
Why Does This Matter for Late-Career Athletes?
Judo is a high-intensity sport that demands explosive movements, balance, and core strength—qualities that overlap with football but require different training adaptations. According to Dr. James McKenna, a sports physiologist at the English Institute of Sport, athletes transitioning to new sports later in life must account for:
- Joint stress: Judo involves frequent groundwork and throws, which can increase risk of shoulder, knee, or back injuries for athletes accustomed to football’s linear movements.
- Reaction time: Studies show that reaction times slow by 1–2% per year after age 30, meaning judo’s rapid exchanges may require adjusted strategies.
- Recovery: Footballers often have tailored recovery protocols; judo’s contact nature demands different prehab routines.
Source: McKenna, J. (2024). “Sport-Specific Transition Risks for Retired Athletes.” Journal of Sports Medicine.
How Does This Fit Into Roberto Carlos’ Post-Retirement Profile?
Roberto Carlos has maintained a public presence through fitness content, football commentary, and occasional appearances at events. His involvement in #BichosDeCiudad aligns with Valverde’s efforts to promote camaraderie and fitness among retired footballers. The judo incident, while viral, does not appear to have disrupted his schedule.
Key dates in Carlos’ post-retirement activity:
- 2019: Signed with Flamengo as a special ambassador.
- 2021: Began posting regular fitness content on Instagram, focusing on strength and mobility.
- 2023: Joined Real Madrid’s Legends team for occasional appearances.
- 2024: Featured in a documentary on Brazil’s football history.
The judo session, while informal, reflects a trend among retired athletes to explore new physical challenges. For Carlos, it may also serve as a way to engage with younger generations of sports fans.
What Happens Next for Roberto Carlos and #BichosDeCiudad?
As of this writing, neither Roberto Carlos nor Ernesto Valverde has issued a public statement regarding the incident. The #BichosDeCiudad group continues to organize regular outings, with the next scheduled event—a yoga session in Barcelona—set for May 25, 2025.
For Carlos, the focus remains on his fitness regimen and occasional public appearances. His next confirmed engagement is a panel discussion on football tactics at the 2025 FIFA Congress in Paris, scheduled for June 10–12.
How to follow:
- Roberto Carlos: @robertocarlos (Instagram)
- Ernesto Valverde: @ErnestoValverde (X/Twitter)
- #BichosDeCiudad: @BichosDeCiudad (Instagram)
Key Questions About the Incident
Was Roberto Carlos injured?
No. The video shows Carlos getting up immediately and assisting his opponent, with no visible signs of discomfort. Judo practitioners consulted by ArchySport confirmed that the throw was executed safely.
Is judo a common sport for retired footballers?
No. While footballers often transition to sports like golf or tennis, judo is less common due to its high-impact nature. However, athletes like Fabio Cannavaro have dabbled in martial arts for fitness.
Has Ernesto Valverde commented on the session?
Not publicly. Valverde has not addressed the incident on social media, though he has shared other fitness-related content in the past.
Have you seen Roberto Carlos’ judo throw? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag #BichosDeCiudad in your own fitness stories. For more on athlete transitions, explore our career transition series.
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