- Marcelo, the Real Madrid legend, has retired from professional football at age 36 after winning 25 trophies with Real Madrid
- The Brazilian left-back earned 58 caps for Brazil and spent 16 years with Real Madrid, becoming one of the club’s most decorated players
Real Madrid icon and former Brazil defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football at 36.
The left-back, one of the most decorated players in history, earned 58 caps for Brazil but played most of his career with Real Madrid.
After developing at Brazilian club Fluminense, Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 and secured 25 major trophies over 15 years.
“At 18, Real Madrid came knocking, and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say I am a true Madrileño,” Marcelo shared in a social media video.
“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, serving as one of the captains—so many magical nights at the Bernabéu. What a journey!
“My playing career ends here, but I still have much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Marcelo became Real Madrid’s captain in 2021, marking the first time in 117 years that a non-Spaniard wore the armband.
He departed Madrid at the end of the 2021-22 season, briefly joining Greek side Olympiacos, but terminated his contract after just five months.
In 2023, Marcelo returned to his boyhood club Fluminense, making 68 appearances in two seasons before leaving by mutual consent last November following a dispute with manager Mano Menezes.
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