Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo has just announced his retirement after playing the game for 20 years.
Some sad news to Real Madrid fans as the club’s legend, Marcelo, announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 36 years old.
Announcing his retirement, the Brazilian shared an emotional video on his X account. He said:
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno. Here, alongside my wife, I have built a family. 16 seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid is a different club, and madridismo is an indescribable feeling.”
Despite the farewell, this isn’t the end. He also said:
“What a journey! My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Marcelo had a great career at Real Madrid that made him one of the club’s legends without a doubt. He has won with the Spanish side five Champions League titles, six La Liga titles, four World Club Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two Copa del Reys, five Spanish Super Cups. All of this was during 16 seasons.
The goodbye came after Madrid won the Champions League in 2022. Since then, he has played for Olympiacos before he returned to where it all started at Fluminense.
Marcelo doesn’t view himself as a legend, but Real Madrid fans will disagree with his words as he said:
“I don’t feel like a legend, I never considered myself that. I feel like a player who wants to achieve goals and win. I feel like a homegrown player; I came at 18 and after all this time, I feel that way.”
Marcelo’s return to Fluminense was the last chapter of his career, but it didn’t end as well as he might have hoped. Despite being part of the team who helped Fluminense win the 2023 Copa Libertadores, Marcelo left them in November 2024.
Unfortunately, Marcelo had an argument with head coach Mano Menezes during one of their matches. This ultimately led to the Brazilian’s departure as he terminated his contract.
Despite this, he still had kind words to share about his time there:
“Returning to Fluminense was about giving back to the club what it gave me, helping to win three titles, including the Copa Libertadores, and leaving a legacy to the young players with the Marcelo Vieira stadium.”
Marcelo has given a lot to Brazil, including records. When he was made Real Madrid’s captain in the 21-22 season, he became the first player who wasn’t Spanish to be Real Madrid’s captain since 1904.
With Brazil, Marcelo had 58 appearances and scored six goals. He won with the national team the 2013 Confederations Cup, a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic games, and a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic games.
He said in his goodbye video:
“Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honor. Two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup will stay in my memory.”
After spending a lot of time together at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo made sure to say goodbye to his friend. He wrote on his official X account:
“My brother, what an incredible career! We have lived a lot together, years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments. More than a teammate, a companion for my life. Thank you for everything, friend. I wish you all the best in this new stage of your life.”
Real Madrid doesn’t forget its legends. The club made sure to post a statement on their official website to honor Marcelo. The statement says:
“Marcelo belongs to the history of Real Madrid and is one of the great legends of the club and of world football.”
Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, also shared some words about the Brazilian as he described him as:
“One of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history, and we had the privilege of watching him for a long time. He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”
Real Madrid and Marcelo’s fans might feel a little better as they wait for the Brazilian’s next step in the soccer world. After all, he said that he still has a lot to give. We will have to wait and see what’s next for him.
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