Marcelo confirms he is leaving Real Madrid after 25 trophies

Euan McTear

29 May 2022 11:59 BST
3 min read

Real Madrid's Marcelo trains before the 2021/22 Champions League final — © ProShots

The Champions League final victory over Liverpool was Marcelo’s last game for Real Madrid. The club captain confirmed after the 1-0 victory that he is departing the Spanish club this summer, after 15 and a half seasons at the Bernabeu.

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Marcelo leaves the club having just lifted his fifth Champions League and his first as club captain. In total, the Brazilian has won 25 titles with Los Blancos, which is a club record. He has six LaLiga Santander championships, five Champions League titles, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and two Copa del Rey wins to his name.

After arriving from Fluminense in the winter window of the 2006/07 season, Marcelo went on to make the left-back spot his own and to achieve something Real Madrid fans had thought would be impossible - replacing Roberto Carlos. Not only did he take over the left flank from his Brazilian counterpart, but Marcelo went on to become the best left-back in the world for many years.

Marcelo’s farewell message

Now, it is time for Marcelo to move on and he confirmed on Saturday night that he had played his last game for Real Madrid - which wasn’t actually the Champions League final, since he didn’t come off the bench.

His last game in the white shirt, therefore, was the last LaLiga Santander match of the season against Real Betis, when he received a standing ovation. “Referee, don’t blow the final whistle, because Marcelo is leaving” read one banner. Now, Marcelo has confirmed that he is indeed departing.

Marcelo announces he’s officially leaving Real Madrid: “Yes, this was my final game with Real Madrid”, he told @diegomiguel4. 🚨⚪️ #RealMadrid

Marcelo’s contract expires in June and it won’t be extended. pic.twitter.com/3oebIf356U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2022

Who will Marcelo play for next?

There have been rumours of a return to Fluminense for Marcelo, but the truth is that the left-back doesn’t yet know what the future holds, as he was waiting and waiting to see if there was a chance he could continue at Real Madrid. But, the club have decided not to give the 34-year-old a new deal.

Retirement could even be an option, but, for now, Marcelo is simply taking in the moment as he enjoys his 25th title with Real Madrid.