Marcelo made a name for himself at Real Madrid. Having joined as an 18 year old, he went on to become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, winning 25 trophies in 546 games, including six league titles. Individually, he was included in FIFA’s FIFPRO World XI six times.
The defender was an integral part of Real Madrid’s European dominance from 2014 onwards. He scored in that year’s Champions League final, the Spanish giants’ 10th victory in the competition, and the beginning of a decade in which they would go on to win five more. Marcelo was a part of the team for four of these, including consecutive victories in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Marcelo was announced as the club captain for the 2021-22 season becoming the first non-Spanish Player to be given the responsibility in over a century. The season turned out to be his last at the club, with 'Los Blancos' fittingly lifting both the La Liga and Champions League trophies.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Marcelo’s contribution to the club, saying, “Marcelo is one of the greatest left backs in Real Madrid in world football history”.
“He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home,” he added.
Dribbling ability equivalent to that of a winger
The Brazilian brought flair and creativity to Real Madrid’s left flank. On top of his exceptional technical skill, which produced a dribbling ability equivalent to that of a winger, meandering runs forward unsurprisingly became his trademark. Often finished off with an assist to one of Madrid’s star forwards, his ability is the source of some incredibly satisfying finesse on a football pitch. A cross-field half volley against Atletico Madrid and an effortless first touch during a Champions League game versus Bayern Munich consistently go viral to this day.
During nine years together in the Spanish capital, Marcelo formed a superb understanding and chemistry with the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, assisting the Portuguese forward 25 times during his career. This connection also extended beyond the football pitch, and the pair forged a strong friendship. Antics between the two stars during training sessions and goal celebrations were the source of equally viral football edits. Being best mates with Cristiano Ronaldo is also bound to gain you some fans.
Following his Real Madrid career and a brief stint in Greece for Olympiacos FC, Marcelo returned to his native Rio de Janeiro and Fluminense FC, where his footballing career began.
Playing beautiful passing football emblematic of the style of play that helped Brazil to 5 World Cup trophies
Marcelo’s return home proved more successful than most, with his experience and technical ability helping the club win the 2023 Copa Libertadores, all the while playing beautiful passing football emblematic of the style of play that helped Brazil to 5 World Cup trophies.
Following a fall out with the head coach, Marcelo terminated his contract with Fluminense last year and subsequently retired as a free agent.
His career with the national team failed to reach anywhere near the heights of his club football success. His only international trophy was the 2013 Confederations Cup, won in front of a home crowd at the Maracanã. He was the starting left back in the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil and as a result, part of the team defeated 7-1 by Germany in the semi-final. The biggest loss in the country’s history has stuck with the Brazilian population. “Todo dia é um sete a um differente” (every day it is a different 7-1) has become a common expression in Brazil to describe when something bad happens.
Marcelo will go down as one of the greatest left backs to have played the game he calls futebol. His attacking prowess and flair brought joy to fans worldwide, and it means he hangs up his boots, having won almost everything there is to win.
Most notably, he will always be remembered for having an unbelievably good head of hair. He had it all, eh?