The Brazilian international full-back Marcelo Vieira da Silva, who terminated his contract with Fluminense and spent sixteen seasons at Real Madrid, has announced his retirement from professional football, although he mentioned he still has "much to give to football."

"My story as a player ends here. But I still have much to give to football. Thank you for everything," Marcelo announced in a video on his social media.

Marcelo reflected on his grandfather, Pedro, who was key in his decision to become a footballer by taking him to training sessions every day when he was young. "My love for football comes from my grandfather. He wanted me to be a professional footballer and did everything possible to make it happen," he recalled.

"At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door, and I came here. I can now say that I am a madrileño. Here, I built a family with my wife. 16 seasons, 25 titles, 5 Champions, one of the captains, and so many magical nights at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid is a different club, and madridismo is an indescribable feeling," Marcelo confessed.

He also paid special tribute to the Brazilian national team and the club where his career began and ended.

"Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honor. Two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup will stay in my memory."

"Returning to Fluminense was about giving back to the club what it gave me, helping to win three titles, including the Copa Libertadores, and leaving a legacy to the young players with the Marcelo Vieira stadium," he said in the video where he reviewed his successes and ended with footage of him playing football with his two sons, Enzo and Liam, and showing his collection of titles.

Marcelo's career began and ended at Fluminense, with a legendary spell at Real Madrid, where he joined at 18 in 2006 and left in 2022 with 25 titles in 546 games: 5 Champions Leagues, 4 World Club Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 6 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Reys, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.

Marcelo is the third foreign player with the most appearances for Real Madrid. "I don’t feel like a legend, I never considered myself that. I feel like a player who wants to achieve goals and win. I feel like a homegrown player; I came at 18 and after all this time, I feel that way," he said on his farewell day.

After a brief spell at Olympiacos in Greece, where he played 332 minutes in 10 games and scored three goals, Marcelo returned to Fluminense, where he won two titles. He became the 14th player in history to win both the Champions League and Copa Libertadores, the two most prestigious titles on either side of the Atlantic.

With the Brazilian national team, he competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, playing 58 matches, scoring six goals, and winning a Confederations Cup.