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HomeNewsFormer Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo announces retirement at 36

Former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo announces retirement at 36

Marcelo, one of the most decorated players in football history, has announced his retirement at the age of 36.

The Brazilian left-back, who earned 58 caps for his national team, has called time on a stellar career that saw him achieve remarkable success both domestically and internationally.

Marcelo began his career at Brazilian club Fluminense before making the move to Real Madrid in 2007, aged just 18.

Over the course of 15 years at the Bernabéu, he amassed an impressive 25 major trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga titles.

In 2021, Marcelo made history by becoming the first non-Spaniard to captain Real Madrid in 117 years.

“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno,” Marcelo said in a 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.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Marcelo is one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football, and we have had the privilege of enjoying him for a long time.

“He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”

Marcelo departed Real Madrid at the end of the 2021-22 season to join Greek side Olympiacos. However, he terminated his contract just five months later.

In 2023, the Brazilian rejoined his boyhood club, Fluminense, where he made 68 appearances over two seasons.

The full-back left Fluminense by mutual consent in November 2023 following a public dispute with manager Mano Menezes.

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Joseph Agbobli
Joseph Agbobli
Football Correspondent at Binge Football. In the role of Football Correspondent, he's responsible for producing exclusive and original stories and interviews. Follow Joseph on X (formerly Twitter) @joseph_agbobli
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