BARCELONA, Spain — Marcelo, the renowned former Real Madrid player known for his distinctive large hair and immense success on the field, announced his retirement on Thursday at the age of 36.
“My journey as a player concludes here, but I still have much to contribute to football. Thank you for everything,” the Brazilian shared in a video posted on social media.
Primarily recognized as a defender with remarkable attacking abilities, Marcelo enjoyed one of the most illustrious careers in soccer, highlighted by his tenure at Madrid from 2007 until 2022, followed by a return to his childhood club Fluminense in the 2023-24 season. He also represented Brazil in the World Cups of 2014 and 2018, securing Olympic medals in both the 2008 (bronze) and 2012 (silver) events.
During his time at Real Madrid, he won the UEFA Champions League five times, claimed six Spanish league titles, and amassed a total of 25 trophies through his contributions to the club.
“Marcelo is a vital part of Real Madrid’s history and stands as one of the true legends of our organization and of global football,” the club expressed.
Marcelo’s European career began in 2006 when he joined Real Madrid, which was experiencing a difficult phase. He quickly became instrumental in a successful era for the club, particularly by supporting attacking plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo on the left side.
Ronaldo also paid homage to his former teammate, referring to him as a “brother.”
“My brother, what an extraordinary career!” Ronaldo remarked on social media. “We experienced so much together—years filled with achievements, victories, and unforgettable moments. More than a teammate, you’ve been a life companion. Thank you for everything, my friend. Wishing you nothing but the best in this new chapter of your life.”
Over the course of 16 seasons, Marcelo made 546 appearances for the team before departing in 2022 after celebrating his fifth triumph in the European Cup. At that time, he held the record for the most titles in club history, a record that has since been surpassed by Luka Modric and Nacho Fernández, who both now boast 26 titles.
Following a short stint with Olympiakos in Greece, Marcelo returned to Fluminense, where he originally launched his career, and celebrated a Copa Libertadores victory.
