Sports News of 2026-10-15

Meet Carlos Roa: The goalkeeper who snubbed Man United because of religious beliefs

In 1998, Carlos Roa became an Argentine hero after helping his country eliminate England from the World Cup. A year later, he was on the radar of Manchester United, but an extraordinary religious conviction changed the course of his career. Roa famously saved David Batty's penalty during Argentina's last-16 shootout victory over England in France, enhancing his reputation as one of football's finest goalkeepers. His performances for Real Mallorca attracted the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was searching for a successor to Peter Schmeichel following Manchester United's historic treble-winning campaign in 1999. However, the proposed move collapsed when Roa, a devout Seventh-day Adventist, announced his retirement at just 29, believing the world would end around the year 2000. Anger, Mourinho snub: Here is why Vinicius Jr. is trending His religious convictions, including his commitment to Bible study and observing the Sabbath on Saturdays, took precedence over his football career. Explaining his decision years later, Roa told the Daily Mirror how difficult the decision was to make. "At that time, I was very attached to religion and bible study. It was a difficult decision to make but at the same time thoughtful and my family agreed with me." His decision, however, came with sporting consequences. Roa returned to football less than a year later, but struggled to rediscover the form that had made him a potential Manchester United signing. Looking back, he acknowledged the professional opportunities he had sacrificed. "I could have progressed a lot, with great contracts and the ¬possibility of playing in England," he admitted. While Roa maintained that his decision was spiritually rewarding, he conceded that it had cost him at a crucial stage of his career. Manchester United, meanwhile, continued searching for Schmeichel's replacement before eventually signing Edwin van der Sar in 2005. FKA/JKB Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians debate whether Carlos Queiroz’s sacking was the right decision