Who is Marcelo Vieira, the captain of Real Madrid who has lifted the Champions League trophy?
Lifting the Champions League trophy was particularly special for Real Madrid captain Marcelo, as he is set to part ways with the team after this season.
Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 to win its 14th Champions League title, and their captain, Marcelo Vieira, has lifted the trophy for the team for the last time.
It’s the perfect way to end his stint with Los Blancos, with whom Marcelo is parting ways after 16 seasons to return to his native Brazil. Marcelo has had a storied career at Real, which he joined when he was only 18 years old.
Marcelo’s lasting left-back legacy
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior, simply known as Marcelo, has been considered one of the best left-backs in the history of soccer. Said to come from humble beginnings, he started his career with Brazilian club Fluminense and moved to Real Madrid in 2007, eventually becoming the team’s first foreign captain since 1904.
Known for his unexpected plays on the field, the 34-year-old has been a key player in the success of the squad in recent years. It has been a productive run for Marcelo, as he is the player with the most number of championships won in the history of Real Madrid. He will be leaving with five Champions League wins as part of the 25 major trophies he has won with the team.
The wild-haired Brazilian has also made the second-highest humber of appearances for a foreign player in the history of the club, second only to Karim Benzema.
Marcelo brings honor to Brazil
Aside from his contributions to Real, he has also brought honor to his country. Marcelo was called up to represent his country as part of the Olympic team two times, winning a bronze medal in 2008, and silver honors in 2012.
He was part of the Brazilian contingent to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, helping them reach the semifinals and earning a Dream Team nod in the process. He was also sent by Brazil to the 2018 competition, where he was once again named to the Dream Team.
Real Madrid will surely honor Marcelo with a proper farewell after such a fruitful partnership that spanned many years, but perhaps winning the Champions League on his last game with them is all the send-off that he needs.