In a video shared on social media on Thursday, the former Real Madrid and Brazil ace Marcelo, announced his retirement at the age of 36. With five Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles over 19 years, the left-back had one of football’s most trophy-rich careers.
Marcelo stated, “My story as a player ends here but I still have much to give to football,” in the video showcasing his remarkable career.
In addition, Marcelo had trophy-filled stints at Fluminense in his own country, most notably helping them win the Copa Libertadores in 2023 after departing Madrid following their 2022 Champions League final victory and a brief stint at Olympiacos of Greece.
A legend retires
After a confrontation with head coach Mano Menezes during a match against Gremio in November 2024, he departed the Rio-based team. With 25 trophies, Marcelo left the Bernabeu as the most decorated player in the club’s 120-year history.
However, Nacho, Luka Modric, and Dani Carvajal have since eclipsed that record. Marcelo joined Real Madrid from Fluminense in January 2007 at the age of 18. He scored six goals in 58 games for Brazil.
Despite being a member of the team that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup domestically, he never raised a significant international trophy. Additionally, he and the country won silver and bronze at the 2012 and 2008 Olympics, respectively.
