Marcelo, the celebrated Brazilian left-back, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
Having made 58 appearances for Brazil, Marcelo’s career spanned some of the most successful years in football, with a 15-year stint at Real Madrid.
He joined the Spanish giants in 2007 at the age of 18 and went on to become one of the club’s most decorated players, winning 25 major titles, including five Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles.
In a heartfelt video on social media, Marcelo reflected on his journey: “At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno. Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!”
Marcelo was named Real Madrid’s captain in 2021, becoming the first non-Spaniard to lead the club in 117 years.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hailed Marcelo as “one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football” and affirmed that the club will always be his home.
After leaving Madrid in 2022, Marcelo had brief stints with Olympiacos and returned to Fluminense in 2023. He left the Brazilian club by mutual consent in November following a public disagreement with manager Mano Menezes.