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Marcelo, the legendary former Real Madrid left-back, has bid farewell to professional football at the age of 36. Announcing his retirement on Thursday, the Brazilian defender wraps up a remarkable career that saw him claim six La Liga crowns and lift the Champions League trophy five times during his 16-year tenure at the club.
“At 18, Real Madrid came knocking on my door and I arrived here,” Marcelo said in a video posted on social media. “Now, I can proudly say that I am a true ‘Madrileno’.
“What a journey. Real Madrid is a unique club.”
Beyond his La Liga and Champions League success, Marcelo also claimed two Copa del Rey titles and four Club World Cup trophies while at Real Madrid. A key figure in the club’s golden era, the Brazilian full-back made 546 appearances, contributing 38 goals and countless unforgettable moments.
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“One of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history, and we had the privilege of watching him for a long time,” said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in a statement.
“He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”
Marcelo’s international career saw him amass 58 caps for Brazil, competing in two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and helping the team claim the 2013 Confederations Cup title. His Olympic journey included a silver medal in London 2012 and a bronze in Beijing 2008.
“Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honour,” he added.
“In my memory I will always cherish two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup.”
Fluminense was where Marcelo’s career took off, paving the way for his transfer to Real Madrid, where he cemented his legacy. Post-Madrid, he ventured to Olympiakos in Greece, but after just five months, he chose to reunite with his first club, Fluminense, bringing his journey full circle.
Returning to his boyhood club, Marcelo helped Fluminense achieve a long-awaited milestone by lifting their first Copa Libertadores trophy with a victory over Boca Juniors in 2023. However, just a few months later, he and the club agreed to part ways in November, and he has been without a team ever since.
