Marcelo Vieira da Silva, widely known as Marcelo, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The legendary Brazilian left-back made his mark at Real Madrid, where he spent an illustrious 16-season career, collecting 25 major trophies and establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
In an emotional social media post, Marcelo reflected on his career, expressing pride in his journey from joining Real Madrid as an 18-year-old from Fluminense in 2007 to becoming a club legend.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door, and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno,” he shared with his fans.
The Brazilian icon went on to highlight his achievements: “Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains, and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!”
During his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo made 546 appearances, contributing to five UEFA Champions League wins and six La Liga titles.
His success was not limited to the club level; Marcelo also earned 58 caps for Brazil, representing his country with pride at international tournaments, including the Confederations Cup in 2013 and two Olympic medals.
Marcelo’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. In 2021, he made history by becoming the first non-Spanish player in 117 years to captain the club.
Following his departure from Madrid in 2022, he had brief stints with Olympiacos and his boyhood club, Fluminense, where he won the Copa Libertadores.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Marcelo as “one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history,” acknowledging his immense contribution to the club’s success.
Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts to Marcelo’s Retirement
Following Marcelo’s announcement of his retirement from football, Cristiano Ronaldo has also taken to his official social media, where he made a reaction, as he had a few things to share about his former teammate.
Taken to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “My brother, what an incredible career! We’ve lived a lot together, years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments. More than a teammate, a companion for life. Thank you for everything, my friend. I wish you all the best in this new stage of life.”
