He had everything a football fan can dream about. He had contracts with the biggest clubs in South America, he had lots of girls, money and glory. But the only thing he didn’t have was football skills! He is Carlos Henrique Raposo “Kaiser” and his story is the greatest football fraud story ever!
To begin with, in 1979, at the age of 16, Raposo signed his first professional contract for the Mexican team Puebla – one of the biggest teams in Mexico! Obviously, he was a little bit talented, but not enough for the first-team football. So, after 3 months, no official matches and just 2-3 friendly games, Puebla released him, because the teenager wasn’t good enough for the team.
However, “Kaiser” didn’t give up, because his dream was to be a famous football star. His family was very poor and Carlos just wanted to be a rich guy. That’s why he desperately wanted to take the easiest way to become rich – becoming a footballer!
To continue with, Carlos Raposo was maybe one of the best liars in the world. He met in a disco the Brazilian football stars – Renato Gaucho and Carlos Alberto Torres. He lied them that he is a very good striker, but can’t find a team to play for. So, Renato and Carlos Alberto spoke with Botafogo’s chiefs and Raposo rapidly found his new team.
In the very beginning of his career at Botafogo, Carlos Raposo said that he needed time to get in form. He looked very strong physically, so the coaches agreed with the conditions of the forward, as they thought Raposo would be very helpful to the team with his stamina. But then, Raposo pretended to be injured and after just several months he left the club, without playing a single minute for Botafogo.
However, he took the salaries and started to look for a new challenge in his career. But, this time he needed another lie… Raposo spoke in front of other football stars that he had become the winner of the Copa Libertadores with the Argentinian club Independiente. His words were proven with a call from Argentina and a small team photo, he took off from his pocket. When asked, why you left the club, he said that they haven’t paid him well.
Then, it was really difficult to be checked whether Raposo’s words were the truth. So, he was given a chance to sign 6-months contract with Flamengo. The coaches, then, understood they have made a big mistake, but they had nothing to do, but wait until the end of the contract and see how Raposo takes his “deserved” salary.
And after you have been part of Puebla, Botafogo and Flamengo, then it’s much easier for you to find a new club! In 1986, Gazelec Ajaccio signed the “goal-scoring machine”. And in the night he was introduced to the French fans, Raposo had to shoot towards the goal with 10 balls, but he was really clever and gave all the balls to the fans! Then, the scheme was the same – time for preparation and then injury…
Do you think he retired after this? Of course, NO! During all these years, Raposo “Kaiser” had lots of friends – footballers, coaches, journalists. One of his friends, who was a journalist wrote an article about him, and his great goal-scoring abilities. The journalist also wrote that Raposo has become the top goal-scorer in France!
After such an article, it was very easy for Carlos Raposo to find a new team. This time it was Bangu Atletico Club. He easily became the owner’s pet, because Raposo looked like the owner’s favourite player Renato Gaucho.
But, the owner’s patience came to an end after 3-4 months, in which Raposo didn’t appear on the pitch even once – he was just practicing and having muscle problems. The chairman ordered to the coach to get him on the pitch in one match, which was terrible for Bangu – 0-2 at the break. But, as I told you Raposo was very clever and after he saw that he will be uncovered, he took advantage of the situation. He heard the fans booing and instead of coming on the pitch, he went to the public and started to yell at it. As a result, a furious fan started a fight with the striker. But Raposo was very strong physically and beat the fan.
Then, asked by the owner what was he doing, Carlos Raposo said that he was defending the honour of the owner, because the fans had sworn at him! After this, the owner offered him a new 6-months contract! Raposo even recorded a match for Bangu, coming on in the 80th minute of a league game. However, that was the only match in his career, which lasted 12 years!
After his longest contract – Carlos Raposo signed also for Fluminense, Vasco da Gama, El Paso Sexshooters and America (RJ), before hanging on the boots! What a career! What a great football star! What a legend!
Now, Carlos Raposo “Kaiser” is 53 years old and he is still laughing when he is speaking about his career. Nobody hates him and everyone is enjoying the former footballer’s great stories!