Marcelo (footballer, born 1988)
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Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior (born 12 May 1988), known as Marcelo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a left-back. Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, he is known for his attacking capabilities. He spent most of his career with La Liga club Real Madrid and is one of the club’s most decorated players, winning 25 trophies. Starting his professional career with Fluminense in 2005, Marcelo won a Campeonato Carioca title in his first season and was named in the 2006 Brasileirão Team of the Season. In January 2007, he joined Real Madrid for an €8 million fee. At Real Madrid, he went on to be a mainstay, winning many trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga titles. In 2021, Marcelo became the captain of Real Madrid from the start of the 2021–22 season, making him the first foreign captain since 1904. After leaving Real Madrid in 2022, he had a five-month spell at Olympiacos, followed by a return to Fluminense in 2023, where he won the Copa Libertadores. He has been named in the FIFPro World XI six times, the UEFA Team of the Year three times, and La Liga's Team of the Season in 2016. He was also named to France Football's "Team of the Decade (2010–2019)". Having debuted for Brazil in 2006, Marcelo was part of the 2008 Olympic squad and won a bronze medal. Four years later, he was part of Brazil's 2012 Olympic team and won a silver medal. Marcelo played in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup as Brazil was victorious, beating Spain 3–0 in the final. He was also part of Brazil's squad at two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018), being named in both tournament's Dream Teams.