Brazilian · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Born 12 May 1988Brazilian left-back widely regarded as one of the greatest in his position, known for his attacking prowess and trophy-laden career at Real Madrid.
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1988. Real Madrid paid £5 million — a bargain — for him in 2007. His fifteen Madrid seasons produced four Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles. He became Real Madrid's all-time appearance holder for a Brazilian. His combination of attacking dynamism — overlapping runs, one-twos around the corner, crosses from impossible angles — with sufficient defensive awareness to function at the highest level made him the most celebrated attacking full-back in football history. He assisted in multiple Champions League Final moments. His partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo on Madrid's left side produced the most sustained individual attacking combination from a full-back position in the competition's modern era. He represented Brazil but never won a major international trophy despite appearing at multiple World Cups. He returned to Fluminense — where he began — in 2023, winning the Copa Libertadores in his first season back.
Most decorated player in Real Madrid history with 25 trophies
How They Played
Attack-minded fullback with exceptional pace, dribbling and crossing
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized the left-back position with attacking prowess and crossing ability
Career Honours
- Champions League 4x (2014,2016,2018,2022)
- La Liga 5x
- Copa del Rey 2x
- Champions League 2014
- Champions League 2016
- Champions League 2017
- Champions League 2018
- La Liga 2012
- La Liga 2017
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluminense | 2005–2007 | — | 30 | 4 |
| Real Madrid | 2007–2022 | £5m | 386 | 26 |
| Olympiacos | 2022–2023 | — | 5 | 0 |
| Fluminense | 2023–2024 | — | 43 | 3 |
 Brazil | — | — | 58 | 6 |
Brazilian Athletes