Football Legend Marcelo Announces His Retirement From The Sport At The Age Of 36.

• Football legend Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

• Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, he is known for his attacking capabilities.

• The Brazilian defender, retires as one of the most decorated players in history.

• 721 appearances, 58 goals, 117 assists and 31 trophies won for club and country. 

Marcelo’s journey in football began at his boyhood club, Fluminense, before he made a life-changing move at just the age of 18 to join Real Madrid in 2007.

He quickly established himself as a key player with the Spanish giants, he played 546 matches and help the team win an impressive 25 major trophies over his 15 seasons stay at the Bernabeu, including 5 Champions League trophies, 4 Club World Cups, and 6 LaLiga titles.

Marcelo solidified his status as one of the club’s legends, and was later named club captain in 2021, becoming the first non-Spaniard to be given the Real Madrid's armband in 117 years.

Reflecting on his career, Marcelo acknowledged that while his journey as a player has come to an end, he still has much to contribute to the sport. 

"At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno," Marcelo wrote as he posted a heartfelt video on his social media.

"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."

 

Forever grateful 💜#M12 pic.twitter.com/k8GP19sybd

— Marcelotwelve (@MarceloM12) February 6, 2025 

Marcelo left Madrid at the end of the 2021-22 season to join Greek side Olympiacos, but terminated his deal just five months after joining.

He re-joined Brazilian club side Fluminense in 2023, lifting the Copa Libertadores in the same year, and he made 68 appearances in two seasons. 

The left-back departed the club by mutual consent last November, following a public falling out with manager Mano Menezes, leading him to announce his retirement.

Throughout his career, Marcelo left an unforgettable mark on international football. He earned 58 caps for his national team Brazil.

He scored in his Brazil debut on 5 September 2006, in a 2–0 victory against Wales.

He was part of Brazil's 2012 Summer Olympics as one of the three over-age players, with Brazil winning a silver medal.

He played in the 2014 World Cup in home soil, and in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the quarter-finals on 6 July 2018, and that was his last match with the national team. In May 2019, he was omitted from Brazil's squad for the 2019 Copa América.