Former Brazil left-back Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36 after his contract with Fluminense expired at the end of 2024, Afrosport reports.
His career began at Fluminense where he made 40 appearances between 2005 and 2006, before moving to Real Madrid at the age of 18 and enjoyed immense success.
Marcelo made 546 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 38 goals and providing 83 assists and won 25 trophies, including six La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.
He left Madrid in 2023 after 16 years and had a brief spell with Greek giants Olympiacos, before returning home to Fluminense and played another 68 games, helping them to the Copa Libertadores crown last year.
“My love of football comes from my grandfather. He wanted me to be a professional and I did everything I could to achieve that. When I was 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I went. I can say that I’m more of a Madrileno,” Marcelo said in a video posted on X.
“With my wife, I started a family there. 16 seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid is a unique club. Madridismo is an indescribable feeling.
“Playing in my country’s jersey since I was a youth player was a great honour. I can remember two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup.
“Returning to Fluminense was giving back to the club what it gave me, I helped win three titles, including the Libertadores, and I left a legacy for the youngsters with the Marcelo Vieira stadium. My story as a player ends here, but I still have a lot to give to football,”
Forever grateful 💜#M12 pic.twitter.com/k8GP19sybd
— Marcelotwelve (@MarceloM12) February 6, 2025
Marcelo was capped 58 times for the Brazil national team and played at two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and two Olympic Games (2008 and 2012), winning the FIFA Confederation Cup in 2013.
