Brazilian football legend and former Real Madrid left-back, Marcelo, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
Marcelo, who spent 16 seasons at Real Madrid, shared the news on social media, reflecting on his remarkable career.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileño,” he said.
“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains, and so many magical nights at the Bernabéu. What a journey! My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 from Brazilian club Fluminense and became a key figure in one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history. He made 546 appearances, winning an astonishing 25 trophies, including: 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 6 La Liga titles, 4 FIFA Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 2 Copa del Rey titles, 5 Spanish Super Cups
He was also the club’s first non-Spanish captain in 117 years before leaving in 2022.
After leaving Real Madrid, Marcelo had a brief spell with Greek side Olympiacos, making just 10 appearances before returning to Fluminense. With his boyhood club, he won the Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana before hanging up his boots.
Marcelo is regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history, alongside legends like Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos, and Ashley Cole. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez paid tribute to him, saying:
“Marcelo is one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history. We had the privilege of watching him for a long time. He is one of our greatest legends, and Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”
With 58 caps for Brazil, Marcelo also won the 2013 Confederations Cup and two Olympic medals—silver at London 2012 and bronze at Beijing 2008.