Marcelo, the former defender for Brazil and Real Madrid, has officially declared his retirement from professional football, concluding a remarkable career filled with numerous accolades, including five UEFA Champions League victories.
At 36 years old, Marcelo represented Real Madrid from 2007 to 2022, departing the club with an impressive collection of 25 trophies amassed over 546 appearances, which featured six LaLiga championships.
The defender played a pivotal role in the 2014 Champions League final, scoring a goal that secured Real Madrid their long-awaited 10th European title, known as “La Decima.” This victory marked the beginning of a decade of success, during which the club added five more Champions League titles to their collection.
Marcelo was an integral member of the team that achieved an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League victories from the 2015-16 to the 2017-18 seasons.
In a video shared on Instagram Thursday, he stated, “My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give football. Thank you for everything.”
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo also celebrated two Copa del Rey victories, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups, and three European Super Cups, and he served as captain during the latter part of his career in Madrid.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remarked, “He is among the finest left backs in the history of Real Madrid and global football, and we were fortunate to witness his talent for many years. He stands as one of our most esteemed legends, and Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Marcelo concluded his career with Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense, where he began both his youth and professional journey, securing the Copa Libertadores title in 2023 before parting ways by mutual agreement in November.
Throughout his international career, he earned 58 caps for Brazil, achieving victory in the Confederations Cup in 2013, along with a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and a bronze in 2008.
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