Brazil, Real Madrid and Inter Milan legend, Roberto Carlos, visits Ballerz dome at Bluewater

Additional reporting by Bartholomew Hall

The 30,000-square-foot arena opened in May and is backed by football legends Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, and Mark Noble.

It costs £3 million and includes a six-a-side 5G football pitch, Premier League-style changing rooms, stadium-style seating, and a players’ tunnel, as well as the ability to show instant replays on the pitch.

This week, visitors had the opportunity to share the venue with Carlos, which was an unforgettable experience.

The 52-year-old, who previously played for Inter Milan during a dazzling career that included over 1,000 matches, was on hand to re-enact his famous free-kick opener against France in 1997.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner praised the arena, saying, “Having a space like this is so important for kids, where they can learn how to shoot.”

“In my situation, my profession revolved primarily around shooting.

“They performed admirably today, with good scores.

“What impressed me the most was how concentrated they were on where to place the free kick.

“So for me, it was a very special day.”

Carlos, often referred to be the “most offensive-minded left-back in history,” joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in 1996.

He won four La Liga championships and three UEFA Champions Leagues with the Spanish club, as well as other honors with Palmeiras and Fenerbahçe.

Troopz, a content producer and AFTV YouTube program favourite, paid Carlos a visit during his appearance.

He said, “I met Roberto Carlos in 2017, but it was behind a fence.

“So to actually meet him, the legend that he is, it’s a blessing I can’t lie.”
A different individual responded: “Roberto Carlos was my hero growing up so the chances of meeting him were once-in-a-lifetime.”

Ballerz is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

It can be found in the Upper Thames Walk car park, adjacent to the entrance to the Showcase Cinema and Gravity trampoline park.