Marcelo retires from football at 36
Brazilian football legend Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football at age 36. The former Real Madrid defender made the announcement via Instagram on February 6, 2025, ending a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level.
Most notably recognized for his 15½-season tenure at Real Madrid from 2007 to 2022, Marcelo amassed an impressive collection of 25 trophies with the Spanish giants, including five UEFA Champions League titles and six LaLiga championships. His pivotal goal in the 2014 Champions League final contributed to Real Madrid's historic "La Decima" - their tenth European crown.
The Brazilian defender, who made 546 appearances for Los Blancos, also secured two Copa del Rey trophies, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups, and three European Super Cups. During his final years at the club, he served as team captain, leaving as one of the most decorated players in Real Madrid's history.
At the international level, Marcelo represented Brazil in 58 matches, scoring six goals. His achievements with the national team include winning the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and claiming Olympic medals - silver in 2012 and bronze in 2008.
His career came full circle at Fluminense, the club where he began both his youth and professional journey. There, he added another prestigious trophy to his collection by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2023, before departing in November following a disagreement with head coach Mano Menezes.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Marcelo, hailing him as "one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history." In his retirement announcement, Marcelo stated, "My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give football."
