“A companion for life” – Cristiano Ronaldo pens emotional message as Real Madrid teammate and friend Marcelo retires from professional football
Cristiano Ronaldo penned an emotional tribute to his ex-Real Madrid teammate Marcelo, after the latter announced his retirement from football.
![“A companion for life” – Cristiano Ronaldo pens emotional message as Real Madrid teammate and friend Marcelo retires from professional football](https://media.firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/08120427/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Marcelo.jpg)
Cristiano Ronaldo penned an emotional tribute to his former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo, following the Brazilian's retirement. (via Facebook)
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo sent out an emotional tribute and a heart-touching message to his former Real Madrid teammate and good friend Marcelo. The Brazilian defender most recently announced his retirement from football.
Marcelo will go down as one of the best left-backs in football history. He spent most of his career with La Liga giants Real Madrid. The 36-year-old went on to become one of the club’s most decorated players, winning 25 major trophies, while making 546 appearances over 16 years. He later departed to join Olympiacos in 2022, before making a return to his boyhood club, Fluminense.
Between 2009 and 2018, Marcelo forged a brilliant partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. The synergy between Ronaldo and Marcelo was evident on numerous occasions. The Brazilian’s accurate crosses and deep passes helped Ronaldo make his name as the club’s all-time leading goal-scoring. They won four UCLs and two domestic titles, together at the club.
We watched Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo play the beautiful game together. pic.twitter.com/NktxyZv15p
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) February 6, 2025
After Marcelo recently announced his retirement, the Al-Nassr star paid tribute to his friend on social media. He highlighted the bond they had built during their time at Real Madrid, and the unforgettable moments they shared. Ronaldo mentioned Marcelo as his lifelong companion, highlighting the deep respect and admiration that he holds for his former teammate.
My brother, what an incredible career! We have lived a lot together, years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments. More than a teammate, a companion for my life. Thank you for everything, friend. I wish you all the best in this new stage of your life.
Cristiano Ronaldo penned on X
Meu irmão, que carreira incrível! Vivemos muito juntos, foram anos de conquistas, vitórias e momentos inesquecíveis. Mais do que um companheiro de equipa, um companheiro para a minha vida. Obrigado por tudo, amigo. Desejo tudo de bom nesta nova etapa da vida. pic.twitter.com/8RJAQAfdNK
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 6, 2025
It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Marcelo, with rumors suggesting that he might take up a future in coaching. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand, is still going strong at the age of 40. He is yet to contemplate retirement.
Real Madrid to pay tribute to club legend Marcelo at the Bernabeu, following his retirement
La Liga giants Real Madrid will pay tribute to club legend Marcelo, after the 36-year-old most recently announced his retirement from football. His last appearance came for Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense, with whom he won the 2023 Copa Libertadores.
![Marcelo Bernabeu tribute](https://media.firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/08120254/Marcelo-Bernabeu-tribute-1200x653.jpg)
Real Madrid in a social media message, announced that the club along with its fans will pay farewell to the legend, ahead of the crucial city derby against Atletico Madrid. Over a course of his stellar spell with Los Blancos, Marcelo scored 38 goals and provided 103 assists. He lifted five UCLs, four FIFA Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, six La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey titles.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Marcelo from current and former Real Madrid players, as well as fans in the last 48 hours. It remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will be in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu, in his farewell.
Siddhartha Roy
(758 Articles Published)