Marcelo is a popular name among football fans who plays as a left-back for Spanish giants Real Madrid at club level and for Brazil at international level. He is recognized as one of the best full-backs in the game and is known for his incredible work-rate, stamina and dribbling. He is one of the few modern-day full-backs who are extremely dangerous in attack, with Marcelo being an extremely vital outlet for his team down the left flank.
He started his career with Brazilian side Fluminense and just at 18 years of age, he was named as part of the Brasileirão Team of the Season. In January 2007, he was signed by Real Madrid for an $8 million fee, which has provided rich dividends 12 years down the line. Initially, he played as a winger for the Los Blancos, where he also succeeded, but now is recognized as a complete full-back.
In his 12 seasons at Real Madrid, the Brazilian has made over 450 appearances across all competitions, scoring 33 goals in the process. His spell has also been a heavily trophy-laden one, which has seen him win four La Liga titles (2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2016–17), two Copa del Ray crowns and a whopping four UEFA Champions League trophies (2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), all of which came in the last five seasons.
Marcelo made his debut for Brazil in 2006, where he also scored a goal against Wales. He has won two Olympic medals – bronze in 2008 and silver in 2012, along with a Confederations Cup title in 2013. He was a crucial member of the Brazil side that finished fourth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with Marcelo scoring the first goal of the tournament – an own goal against Croatia. The 30-year-old was also part of the lineup that lost 7-1 to Germany in the semifinal.
He has often been compared to former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos, such being the similarity in their playing styles. It can be safely said that he has emerged as Carlos’ and in Russia, he will be looking to emulate what his predecessor achieved in 2002 – winning the FIFA World Cup.