Real Madrid record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo has called Marcelo “a partner for life” following the five-time Champions League winner’s retirement, joining tributes from admirers including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Sergio Ramos.
One of the most decorated left-backs in the history of the game, Marcelo announced the end of a playing career that included 58 Brazil caps on Thursday, hanging up his boots at the age of 36.
“My brother, what an incredible career,” said Ronaldo, who played with Marcelo at Madrid between 2009 and 2018. “We’ve lived a lot together.
“It’s been years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments. More than a team-mate – a partner for life. Thanks for everything, my friend – I wish you all the best in this new phase of life.”
Marcelo retired: Vinicius Jr ‘privilege’
As well as his European titles, Marcelo won La Liga six times, the Copa del Rey twice and the Spanish Super Cup on five occasions during 16 years at Madrid.
“It was a privilege to watch you play and be a part of a few years of this absurd career,” said Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, who made his Brazil debut a year after Marcelo’s final international appearance in 2018.
“Some are magicians with the ball, others are winners. But few are magicians and winners. And you made it. Thank you for the advice, the rants, for living together.
“We were victorious on the field and we are friends off it. Good luck on your new challenge. Legend.”
Sergio Ramos: Marcelo ‘a brother’
Madrid players Alvaro Rodriguez and David Alaba also used the word legend to describe Marcelo, as did Sergio Ramos, who played an equally instrumental part in the club’s success in an almost entirely overlapping career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“A brother – my companion in so many battles – has retired,” said Ramos. “How many victories, how many titles and how many laughs.
“It has been an honour to have shared so many years on the pitch. Today you hang up your boots, but your legacy is eternal. You are football history.
“Thank you for your magic and for being the best ally on and off the pitch. Enjoy your new stage. I love you, brother.”
Rodrygo thanks Marcelo
Brazil and Madrid winger Rodrygo joined Ramos in regarding Marcelo as a “brother” and called his career “beautiful”.
“Will always be very grateful to have been a part of it,” he added. “Thank you for every moment together and for every lesson. Enjoy this new phase – you deserve the best, always.”
Among Marcelo’s glittering cast of former team-mates, Marco Asensio suggested Madrid were an incomplete team without him, and Raphael Varane shared photos of the pair joking in training and winning the Champions League together.
The official accounts of the Champions League and World Cup wished Marcelo well, while Madrid themselves issued a statement listing his near-unparalleled volume of achievements and noting his status as their third-highest appearance-maker among non-Spanish players.
Histórico, @MarceloM12! pic.twitter.com/IKCpxVSRhq
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) February 6, 2025
Real Madrid honour ‘great legend’
“His spectacular football and the memory of a player who gave everything for this shirt, representing the values of Real Madrid, will always remain in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans,” Madrid said, expressing “gratitude and affection”.
“Marcelo is part of the history of Real Madrid and is one of the great legends of our club and of world football.”
Brazilian club Fluminense, where Marcelo began his career in 2005 before joining Madrid in 2006, reflected on his hugely successful early and later years in the game.
He won a total of five trophies with the team from his birthplace of Rio, including the Copa Libertadores while finishing his career there between 2023 and 2024.
“A story that began and ended in your home,” Fluminense said. “Football thanks you, Marcelo. Fluminense – your eternal home – thanks you, idol.”