Marcelo retires: The legacy of a legendary left-back
Marcelo, one of the finest left-backs in the history of football, has officially announced his retirement from the sport. The Brazilian shared a video on social media, revealing his decision. His footballing journey is so illustrious that capturing it in just a few sentences is quite challenging.
663 matches, 52 goals, 106 assists - with these remarkable achievements, Marcelo, or more precisely, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, chose to conclude his football adventure. Regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in history, he delivered an official farewell message.
My story as a player ends here. But I still have a lot to contribute to football. Thank you for everything - said Marcelo in the farewell video.
Marcelo ended his career
Marcelo's football journey began in 2005. As a young player, he honed his skills at the Brazilian club Fluminense, where he also achieved his first significant successes. However, it was not in Brazil that the world recognised his greatness. In 2006, Real Madrid signed him, paying the Brazilian club 6.5 million euros (according to transfermarkt.com).
Marcelo was only 18 at the time and was seen as an ideal successor to his compatriot, Roberto Carlos, which he ultimately became. At the Spanish capital's club, Marcelo spent 15 years, playing in the white jersey for 16 seasons. During this time, he played 546 games and won 25 trophies: 5 European Cups, 4 Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 6 Spanish championships, 2 Copa del Rey, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.
Furthermore, he was selected six times for the FIFA FIFPRO World 11, establishing him as the best left-back in the world for each of those seasons. He is the third foreign player with the most appearances for Real Madrid, and a career highlight was scoring in the UEFA Champions League final during the 2013/2014 season.
Marcelo played 58 matches for the Brazil national team, scoring six goals. In national colours, he won the Confederations Cup in 2013 and earned a silver medal at the London Olympics (2012) and a bronze in Beijing (2008).
He left Real Madrid in 2022, signing with the Greek club Olympiacos. After less than a year, he returned to Fluminense, where his contract ended on 3 November 2024. Since then, he has not played for any club and decided to retire from football. The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, bid farewell to Marcelo with these words:
Marcelo is one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football, and we have had the privilege of enjoying him for a long time. He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and will always be his home.
