Marcelo joined Real Madrid from Fluminense in January 2007 at the age of 18. He spent 15-and-a-half years with Real Madrid and left as the most successful player in the club’s 120-year history with 25 trophies. However, this record was later surpassed by Nacho, Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.

President Florentino Perez shared about Marcelo’s retirement: “This is one of the greatest left-backs of Real Madrid and in the history of world football. We had the honor of watching him play for a long time. He is one of the greatest legends and Real Madrid will always be his home.”

After leaving Real Madrid, Marcelo joined Olympiakos and returned to his homeland to play for Fluminense. He contributed to the Brazilian team winning the Copa Libertadores in 2023. However, Marcelo only left Fluminense in November 2024 after an argument with coach Mano Menezes in a match against Gremio.

Marcelo played 58 times for Brazil, scoring 6 goals. He has never won a major title with the national team. However, Marcelo was named in the Brazil squad that won the Confed Cup in 2013. Marcelo also won silver and bronze medals at the Olympics in 2012 and 2008.