BY: OSABUOHIEN IMUETINYANOSA
Marcelo joined Real Madrid in January 2007, at the young age of 18 for a transfer fee worth of €8 million.
From Fluminense in 2007 Marcelo became part of Madrid from his boyhood club and spent 15 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, becoming one of the most successful, embellished and decorated player in history.
At the age of 36 Real Madrid and Brazilian formidable Marcelo has finally unfolded his retirement from professional football. Marcelo made history and ended his footballing career with such an enviable parade of achievements – The left-back won 25 trophies with Los Blancos, including the Champions League on five occasions and LaLiga six times.
Marcelo played and achieved 546 games for Madrid overall, putting him 13th on their all-time appearances list, before spending five months at Olympiacos, then returning to Fluminense in February 2023.
Marcelo, who also won 58 caps for Brazil and scored six international goals, helped the Sao Paulo club beat Boca Juniors to win the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history later that year.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno,” Marcelo posted in his social media channels.
“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!
“My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”
Only two players have ever won the Champions League on more occasions than Marcelo, with his former Madrid team-mates Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric doing so six times.
Madrid then posted a statement of their own, saying: “Following Marcelo’s announcement that he is retiring as a professional football player, Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and affection to him.
“Marcelo belongs to the history of Real Madrid and is one of the great legends of the club and of world football.”
To his credit, 16 seasons, 25 titles, 5 UCLs, and one of the captains with many historic nights at the Bernabéu.
Marcelo described Real Madrid as a unique club., and “Madridismo is an indescribable feeling.” added Marcelo .
To bid Madrid farewell, he was given the well deserving oviation by fans as he was gifted a gift on Saturday, 8th February 2025, of a draw between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, which made Madrid to remain leaders with 50 points ahead of Barcelona on 45 points and Atletico Madrid 49poimts.
Marcelo remains the greatest left back ever after Roberto Callus. And the most skilful and entertaining left back ever in the world.
