- Marcelo won five UCL trophies with Real Madrid
- Became the first non-Spanish captain to lead Real since 1904
- Ended his career after a brief stint with Fluminense
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Getty/GOALThank you, Marcelo! Real Madrid and Brazil legend announces retirement from professional football after stunning 20-year career
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
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Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
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AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Marcelo's homecoming proved historic, as he played a crucial role in Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores triumph in 2023, adding another major honour to his already impressive collection. However, his second spell at the club ended on a sour note when he departed in November 2024, following a dispute with head coach Mano Menezes during a heated match against Gremio.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MARCELO?
Marcelo also enjoyed a notable international career with Brazil, earning 58 caps and scoring six goals. Though he never won a World Cup, he was part of the squad that lifted the 2013 Confederations Cup on home soil. In addition, he represented Brazil at the Olympic Games, securing a bronze medal in 2008 and a silver medal in 2012.
With his playing career now behind him, Marcelo’s next steps remain uncertain. However, his declaration that he still has “much to give to football” suggests that a role in coaching or club management could be on the horizon.
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