Former Real Madrid captain Marcelo announces retirement from football

Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo has announced his retirement at the age of 36 in an Instagram video on Thursday.

The left-back achieved remarkable success, securing five Champions League titles and six La Liga titles with Los Blancos. He also proudly represented his nation in two World Cups throughout a distinguished career that lasted 19 years.

“My story as a player ends here but I still have much to give to football,” Marcelo said in the video that also shows highlights from his glorious career.

“At 18, Real Madrid came knocking & I arrived. I can proudly say I’m a true ‘Madrileno’.

16 seasons, 25 titles, 5 UCLs, one of the captains & many magical nights at Bernabeu.

Real Madrid is a unique club. Madridismo is an indescribable feeling,” he said in the video.

Marcelo also enjoyed successful periods with Fluminense in his home country, particularly playing a pivotal role in their triumph in the Copa Libertadores in 2023. This achievement came after his departure from Madrid, where he celebrated victory in the 2022 Champions League final, followed by a short tenure at Olympiacos in Greece.

After a confrontation with head coach Mano Menezes during a match against Gremio in November 2024, he departed the Rio-based team.

Marcelo departed from the Bernabeu after dedicating 15 and a half seasons to the team, having originally joined from Fluminense in January 2007 at the age of 18. He is regarded as one of the most decorated players in the club's 120-year history, amassing a total of 25 honors. This record was later surpassed by Nacho, Luka Modric, and Dani Carvajal.

He netted six goals in 58 appearances for the Brazilian national team. Although he was part of the squad that clinched the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil, he did not secure any major international titles. Furthermore, he contributed to the nation's achievements by winning silver and bronze medals at the Olympics in 2012 and 2008, respectively.

Marcelo will go down as one of the greatest modern-day football left-backs, he was best in his position. He was versatile playing as an attacking and defensive full-back.

His 15-year tenure at Los Blancos serves as additional evidence of his exceptional performance and consistency, demonstrating his ability to maintain his position as their premier first-choice full-back for such an extended period.

Cover Credits - Transfermarkt