Marcelo, the iconic Brazilian left-back, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36. The decorated player, who won 25 major titles during his illustrious career, revealed his decision on social media.
“My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football,” Marcelo said, reflecting on his remarkable career. He joined Real Madrid at just 18 and went on to spend 15 years at the Bernabeu, winning five Champions League titles and six La Liga titles.
Marcelo’s achievements on the pitch were matched by his leadership off it. He was named club captain in 2021, becoming the first non-Spaniard to hold the position in 117 years. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Marcelo as “one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football.”
Marcelo’s post-Madrid career took him to Olympiacos and then back to his boyhood club Fluminense. However, his time at Fluminense was cut short due to a public falling out with manager Mano Menezes. Despite this, Marcelo’s legacy as one of the greatest left-backs of all time remains cemented.
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home,” Perez said, welcoming Marcelo back to the club as a legend. Marcelo’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on the beautiful game will continue to be felt for generations to come.
