Brazilian football icon Marcelo has officially announced his retirement at the age of 36. The former Real Madrid star played 546 matches over 16 seasons, winning five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga championships. He also earned 58 caps for the Brazilian national team.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door, and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say I am a true Madrileño,” Marcelo shared on social media.
“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, and unforgettable nights at the Bernabéu. What a journey! My playing career 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 cornerstone of one of the club’s most successful eras.
In 2021, he made history as Real Madrid’s first non-Spanish captain in 117 years. After leaving in 2022, he had brief stints at Olympiacos and a return to Fluminense, where he played for two seasons.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez paid tribute to Marcelo, calling him “one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history.”
He added, “We had the privilege of watching him for a long time. He is one of our greatest legends, and Real Madrid will always be his home.”
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