One of the greatest left-backs in football history Marcelo has retired from the great game of football. Real Madrid Legend Marcelo Retires.
Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 at early age of 18, he made 546 appearances for the team and contributed selflessly in the 16 trophy-filled seasons with the Spanish giants.
The left-back won five UEFA Champions league titles and six La Liga titles during his stay in the Spanish Capital.
“Marcelo is one of the greatest Left-backs in world football history” Florentino Perez said.
Marcelo finally retired as Real Madrid legend, he announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
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The Brazilian also played 58 times for his country in the international level and also won some couple of trophies with them.
Marcelo’s comment on social media.
“At 18 Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrielo.”
“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!
“My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank for everything.”
Marcelo joined the Spanish giants in 2007 at the age of 18 from Brazilian Club Fluminense where he later went back to play a few seasons after he left Real Madrid.
He was a key figure in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history and in 2021 became the first non-Spanish player to be named club captain in 117 years.
Trophies and awards won by the Legendary left-back
Not mincing words, Marcelo is undoubtedly one of the greatest left-backs in the recent memory. Up there with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos and Ashley Cole.
He was a pivotal player during a golden era for Madrid and when he left in 2002, he was the most decorated player in the club’s history with 25 trophies, though he has been overtaken by Nacho and Luka Modric.
His 25 trophies won at the club include five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga titles.
During his time in Madrid he also won four FIFA Club world cups, three UEFA super cups, two Copa del Rey trophies and five Spanish super cups.
With Brazil, he won the Confederations cup in 2013 and two Olympic medal- Silver at London in 2012 and bronze at Beijing 2008.
Apparently, he made just 10 appearances for Olympiacos before returning to Fluminense, where he won the Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana.
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Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Marcelo after his retirement
The Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his heartfelt words for his former Real Madrid teammate and close friend, Marcelo.
Through social media Ronaldo reflected on strong bond he once shared with Marcelo during their time at Real Madrid and the unforgettable moments they experienced together.
The bond between the Portuguese and Brazilian players was evident both on and off the pitch, as they spent nine successful seasons together.
During this time they secured 4 UEFA Champions league titles, 3 FIFA Club world cup titles, 3 UEFA super cups, 2 Laliga Championships, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 2 Spanish Super cups.
Marcelo spent almost 16 seasons at Real Madrid Cementing his status as one of the greatest left-backs of all time.
He played a crucial role in the club’s success, winning five UEFA Champions league titles, including the iconic three-peat from 2016-2018.
His link-up play with Ronaldo down the left flank was one of the most feared combinations in the world of football, contributing to Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal-scoring feats.
Marcelo’s journey from boyhood club to Legendary
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Jr popularly known as Marcelo is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as left-back widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all times.
He is known for his attacking capabilities. He spent most of his career with Laliga club, Real Madrid and is one of the club’s most decorated players winning 25 trophies.
Marcelo started playing at the age of 9 and by 13, he was on the books of Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro.
He came from a very poor background and even considered quitting football, but his grandfather convinced him to continue with the sport.
Marcelo joined Real Madrid during the January transfer window in 2007. On his arrival, the club president; Ramon Calderon said, “he is an important signing for us. He’s a young player who will inject some freshness into the side and is part of our plan to bring young players into the squad”.
Just on his arrival after a string of poor performances in 2009, he found himself on the bench for much of the remaining season while under new manager; Juande Ramos.
Under the next head coach; Manuel Pellegrini, Marcelo consistently featured in the starting XI for his versatility and pace along the left flank in offensive and defensive roles.
He continued to be employed as left winger under Pelligrini, and reached the top of assist charts of Laliga in 2009-10 season.
On July 2015, he signed new contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2020.
He was a regular starter when the team won the champion league, beating Atletico Madrid again in the final penalties.
He played 30 matches when Madrid won the Laliga, and was a regular starter when Madrid won the champions league after beating Juventus 4-1 in the final.
He also signed another contract keeping him at the club till 2022. During the champions league, he made 11 appearances while scoring 3 goals with Madrid winning their third consecutive and 13th overall champions league title after beating Liverpool 3-1 in the final.
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June 2021, it was announced that he would become the captain of Real Madrid from the start of the 2021-22 season.
After winning Laliga, Marcelo became the player with most titles in the history of Real Madrid, surpassing Paco Gento, with 24.
Marcelo lifted his 5th champions league trophy after defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final, despite not featuring in the game itself.
After the final, Marcelo announced that he would leave the club after 15 years.
On 3rd September, 2022, Marcelo signed for Olympiacos, but he terminated his contract departing from the club after 5 months. He returned to his boyhood club, Fluminense and played for a while and then left club by mutual consent.
Then, on 6th February, 2025, he announced his retirement via his social media channels.
