Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football in a video posted to social media on Thursday.

The 36-year-old, who spent the majority of his trophy-laden career at Real Madrid, leaves the sport as one of its most decorated players.

Over a career spanning 19 years, Marcelo established himself as one of the top players in the game. His time at Real Madrid was particularly notable, where he won five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies. Having joined the club in January 2007 at just 18 years old, Marcelo went on to become a fixture in the team’s defense, playing a crucial role in the club’s dominance both in Spain and across Europe.

He first joined the Madrid from Fluminense in January 2007 as an 18-year-old and spent 15 and a half seasons in the Spanish capital, leaving the Santiago Bernabeu as the most decorated player in the club’s 120-year history with 25 trophies — though that mark has since been surpassed by Nacho, Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.

“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno,” Marcelo said in a video on his social media.

“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!

“My story as a player ends here but I still have much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”

The left-back’s contributions were not limited to his club career. He also represented Brazil, earning 58 caps for his country, scoring six goals, and was part of the squad that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup victory on home soil. In addition, Marcelo claimed Olympic medals, with a silver in 2012 and a bronze in 2008.

In his later years, Marcelo returned to Brazil and added another significant achievement to his list of honors by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores with Fluminense, the club where his journey first began.