Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, popularly known as Marcelo, has announced his retirement from football.

Marcelo last played professional football last year and has been without a club since his contract was terminated by Fluminense.

Marcelo spent most of his career at Real Madrid, where he played for 15 years with Los Blancos, making 545 appearances:

• 43,233 minutes played

• 38 goals

• 103 assists

He also represented the Brazilian national team, winning the FIFA Confederations Cup, an Olympic silver medal, and an Olympic bronze medal.

Ex-teammates paid homage to the 36-year-old. Cristiano Ronaldo stated:

“My brother, what an incredible career! We have lived a lot of great memories together. It’s been years of achievements, victories, and unforgettable moments. More than a teammate, you are a partner for life. Thanks for everything, and I wish you the best in your next phase of life.”

Vinícius Júnior added:

*”Today, the winger who played full-back says goodbye to football.

It was a privilege to watch you play and be part of a few years of that absurd career.

Some are magicians on the ball; others are winners. But few are both magicians and winners—and you did it.

Thank you for the advice, the scolding, and the support.

We were victorious on the pitch, and we’re friends off it.

Good luck in your new challenge. You’re insane! A LEGEND!”*

David Alaba also paid tribute:

“Opponent, teammate, captain, legend. It was an honor for me. Thank you, brother.”

Real Madrid, alongside its president Florentino Pérez, also released a statement:

“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.”

Real Madrid added:

”Following Marcelo’s announcement of his retirement as a professional football player, Real Madrid C.F. would like to express its 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.

He arrived at Real Madrid in 2006, at the age of 18, and has been a key player in one of the most successful periods in the 122 years of our history. During the sixteen seasons in which he defended our shirt and our badge, he won 25 titles in 546 matches: 5 European Cups, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 6 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.

At an individual level, Marcelo, as a Real Madrid player, was included in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 on six occasions.

In addition to his titles with Real Madrid, Marcelo was crowned champion of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with the Brazilian national team, with whom he also won a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

With Fluminense F.C., he won a Copa Libertadores and a Recopa Sudamericana.

Marcelo is the third foreign player who has played the most games for Real Madrid. He was one of the scorers in the final of the Décima in Lisbon and the captain who lifted the Decimocuarta in Paris. His spectacular football and the memory of a player who gave everything for this shirt, representing the values of Real Madrid, will forever remain in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans.

Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”