Real Madrid Icon Marcelo Announces Retirement From Football at 36
Real Madrid legend Marcelo has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 36, concluding a remarkable career that spanned 16 seasons with the club. The Brazilian left-back made a staggering 546 appearances for Real Madrid, during which he won an impressive 25 titles, including five UEFA Champions League trophies and six La Liga championships.
Marcelo took to social media to express his emotions, stating, “At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door, and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileño. Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains, and so many magical nights at the Bernabéu. What a journey! My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Joining Real Madrid in 2007 from Brazilian club Fluminense, Marcelo quickly established himself as a key figure in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. In 2021, he made history by becoming the first non-Spanish player to captain the team in 117 years.
After departing Real Madrid in 2022, he had a brief stint at Olympiacos, making just 10 appearances before returning to his boyhood club, Fluminense, where he added to his trophy cabinet by winning the Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sudamericana.
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 is and always will be his home.”
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in recent memory, Marcelo’s name is often mentioned alongside legends like Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos. When he left Madrid, he held the record as the most decorated player in the club’s history, with only Nacho and Luka Modric surpassing him since.
His illustrious trophy haul includes:
– Five UEFA Champions League titles
– Six La Liga titles
– Four Club World Cups
– Three UEFA Super Cups
– Two Copa del Rey titles
– Five Spanish Super Cups
On the international stage, Marcelo represented Brazil 58 times, winning the Confederations Cup in 2013 and earning two Olympic medals: silver in London 2012 and bronze in Beijing 2008.
