Marcelo, from a 'simple' meeting to 14 years at Real Madrid

Marcelo (32 years old) celebrates 14 years as a Real Madrid player this Sunday. Although it debuted in 2007, a day like today in 2006 was presented by the white club. That November 15, however, the Brazilian did not know what was happening to him or how much his life was going to change, as he confessed in 2017 in The Players' Tribune: “I swear to God I thought I was going there just to have a conversation …”.

Marcelo explained in the most intimate portal of the footballers the surprise he got: “When I got to the meeting with the club, I saw the contracts with the Real Madrid symbol on top and I signed them quickly. Then some men in suits took me directly to the field. I was introduced to the press that day and I had no idea what my presentation was going to be. My family in Brazil did not believe it until they saw the news in Globoesporte“.

Uncertain future with Roberto Carlos and Gento within reach

A story is as special as the one built since then by the Carioca, who has filled his track record in these nearly three decades: five Leagues, four Champions League, four Club World Cups, four Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups and two King's Cups. The account gives 22 titles, the same as Ramos and only one less than Gento, the most successful madridista. With the aim of beating La Galerna, the youth squad from Fluminense follows, who also, with 514 matches, if it exceeds the 527 of Roberto Carlos, first his idol and now his friend, he will become the Brazilian with the most appearances for Madrid and in the eighth of any nationality.

Further, Marcelo has the 542 from Guti, especially since he has moved away from the main focus since the signing in 2019 of Mendy. The good performances of the French and the disappointing second captain have caused criticism to rain on him. The data leave him badly in the league: in the second stage of Zidane, Madrid have not lost when they have not been in the eleven and, nevertheless, with him as holder he suffered all the defeats, nine, of this new era. That opens a debate: the contract ends in 2022 and, especially if it is with Zizou on the bench, he wants to continue, so the board has to decide whether or not to renew him …