Real Madrid legend and former Brazil international, Marcelo, has announced his retirement from football on Thursday.
The 36-year-old leaves the sport as one of its most decorated players in history, enjoying overwhelming success during his 15-year spell at Real Madrid.
Marcelo signed for the Spanish giants in 2007 from Brazilian Serie A side, Fluminense, at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back.
He would go on to win 25 trophies with the club including five Champions League titles – he was in the squad that won the only three-peat in the competition’s modern era between 2016 and 2018 – as well as six La Liga titles.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno,” Marcelo said in a video on his social media. “Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!”
He added, “My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Marcelo had a five-month spell at Olympiacos of Greece in 2022 before re-joining boyhood club Fluminense in 2023, spending two seasons back at the club and making 68 appearances until leaving by mutual consent in November 2024.