Marcelo Vieira Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!

Marcelo Vieira, simply known as Marcelo, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

With his technical skill, speed, crossing ability and attacking flair, Marcelo has established himself as one of the best left-backs of his generation. He is renowned for his ability to go forward and contribute in attack with goals and assists.

Marcelo’s trophy-laden career with Real Madrid has seen him win numerous titles including four UEFA Champions League and five La Liga titles. He has also been an integral part of Brazil’s national team for over a decade.

Let’s take a deeper look at the life and career of this skilful left-back:

Table of Contents

Marcelo’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on May 12, 1988 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Began playing futsal and football from a young age and joined local club Fluminense’s youth setup in 2005.
Made his professional debut for Fluminense in 2006 at the age of 18. Immediately became a regular starter at left-back.
In his two seasons at Fluminense, he made 58 appearances and scored 6 goals while showcasing his technical abilities.
Caught the attention of major European clubs with his performances.

Transfer to Real Madrid in 2007

In November 2006, Marcelo was signed by Spanish giants Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €6 million.
He was just 18 years old when he arrived at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Initially struggled to break into the first team due to stiff competition from veteran left-back Roberto Carlos.
Made his Real Madrid debut in January 2007, coming on as a substitute against Deportivo La Coruña.
Gradually earned more playing time over the next couple seasons and established himself as first-choice left-back.

Becoming A Key Player for Real Madrid: 2009 Onwards

After Roberto Carlos’ departure in 2009, Marcelo became Real Madrid’s undisputed first-choice left-back.
Developed an excellent partnership and understanding down the left flank with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Praised for his attacking threat and ability to overlap and deliver dangerous crosses for Ronaldo and other attackers. Equally capable of scoring goals.
Helped Real Madrid win several major trophies including 4 Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) and 4 La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020, 2022).
Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world at his peak. Named in UEFA Team of the Year five times between 2011 and 2018.
As of 2024, has made over 500 appearances for Real Madrid, contributing 38 goals and 103 assists.
Signed several contract extensions over the years. Currently contracted until 2024.

Achievements and Honors with Real Madrid

4 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
5 La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023)
4 FIFA Club World Cup titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
3 UEFA Super Cups (2014, 2016, 2017)
5 Spanish Super Cups (2012, 2017, 2019-2020, 2022, 2023)
2 Copa del Rey titles (2011, 2014)

Style of Play and Strengths

An attack-minded full-back with excellent technical skills.
Known for his speed, stamina and dribbling ability to go forward. Also a good passer and crosser.
Forms an excellent partnership with whoever plays on the left wing, combining well and overlapping to deliver crosses.
Despite his attacking flair, also capable defensively in 1v1 situations. Uses his pace to recover and track back.
Creates a lot of chances and provides many assists for teammates. Also chimes in with occasional goals.
Regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation due to his well-rounded attacking and defensive abilities.

Career with Brazil National Team

Made his debut for Brazil in 2006 and was part of the Brazil U20 team that finished runners-up at the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2007.
Established himself as the first-choice left-back for Brazil after the 2010 World Cup.
Part of the Brazil squad that won the 2013 Confederations Cup and also played at two World Cups – 2014 and 2018.
Has over 60 international caps for Brazil. Known for his marauding runs down the left flank.
Missed several international tournaments through injury but remains an important player when fit. Will hope to play at the 2026 World Cup.

Marcelo’s Personal Life

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. comes from a family of footballers. His grandfather Pedro was a striker and his father Pedro is a sports teacher.
Has been described as an outgoing, humorous and social person who likes joking around. Known for his smile and energetic persona.
Married his longtime girlfriend Clarice Alves in 2008. The couple have two sons together – Enzo (born 2009) and Liam (born 2015).
Close friends with Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro.
Known for his creativity off the pitch, Marcelo launched his own fashion brand – AZ Sports – in 2013. He also enjoys music and playing the guitar and piano.
Active on social media with a huge following. Uses his platform to promote social causes like fighting racism.
Has a number of tattoos, including his shirt number 12 and the Champions League trophy.

Marcelo’s Net Worth and Endorsements

According to Forbes, Marcelo has an estimated net worth of $30 million as of 2024.
Currently has an annual salary of $11 million at Real Madrid, making him one of the club’s highest earners.
Has endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, EA Sports, Head & Shoulders, and Credit Suisse bank.
Also launched his own fashion line AZ Sports. Owns a clothing store in Madrid.
His long and successful career has enabled him to amass significant wealth. Wise investments and endorsements have boosted his earnings.
With a few more years left at the top, Marcelo’s net worth is expected to continue rising.

Marcelo’s Legacy as an All-Time Great Left-Back

With his longevity and trophy-laden career, Marcelo has cemented his place among the greatest left-backs of all time.
His attacking flair, partnership with Ronaldo and glut of titles make him an Real Madrid legend. Arguably the club’s best left-back.
His collection of 5 La Liga and 4 Champions League titles put him among the most decorated defenders ever.
Statistically one of the most creative and assists-providing full-backs thanks to his crossing, chance creation and link-up play.
Still going strong despite crossing 35 years of age. Has several more years potentially to add to his legacy.
A key figure and leader in the successful Real Madrid era from 2009 onwards. Played a starring role in the club’s European dominance.
For Brazil, formed part of the national team for over 15 years. One of Brazil’s greatest left-backs although injuries affected his international career.
Regarding technique, athleticism, titles and longevity, Marcelo deserves to be ranked among the finest left-backs of all time. A distinguished career.

Conclusion

Marcelo Vieira’s story is one of talent, hard work and unwavering self-belief. Emerging from the Fluminense youth academy, he dared to dream big and manifested his vision into reality.

His attacking flair, crossing ability and competitive spirit have seen him shine at the very top of the game. Marcelo’s trophy haul with Real Madrid reads like a fantasy – a testament to his longevity and quality.

At his peak, Marcelo was simply unplayable – the prototype modern fullback, as skilled going forward as he was dogged in defense. His on-pitch relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo will go down in football folklore.

For over a decade, Marcelo has graced the Santiago Bernabeu pitch, winning the hearts of the Madridistas with his technical brilliance and infectious personality. There is no doubt that ‘El Loco’ is an all-time Real Madrid great.

With Brazil, Marcelo forms part of a long lineage of iconic Brazilian left-backs. While injuries have hampered his international caps, Marcelo has always brought verve and quality to the Selecao shirt.

Having won it all at club level, Marcelo will be hoping to add international honors before he hangs up his boots. With his unwavering dedication and professionalism, few would bet against him bowing out with the World Cup in his hands.

Wherever the remainder of his career takes him, Marcelo Vieira has already cemented his place in football’s pantheon of great left-backs. A creative defender blessed with flair, speed and technical ability, he will be remembered as one of the finest of his generation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marcelo Vieira

What is Marcelo’s current age?

Marcelo is 34 years old as of 2024. He was born on May 12, 1988 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What is Marcelo’s playing position?

Marcelo plays as a left-back but is renowned for often going forward due to his attacking abilities.

What is Marcelo’s salary at Real Madrid?

Marcelo earns an annual salary of approximately $11 million at Real Madrid as of 2024.

How many trophies has Marcelo won with Real Madrid?

Marcelo has won an impressive haul of 22 trophies with Real Madrid – including 5 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles.

What transfer fee did Real Madrid pay to sign Marcelo?

Real Madrid signed Marcelo from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2006 for a transfer fee reported to be €6 million.

How many assists has Marcelo provided in his career?

Marcelo has provided over 100 assists in his career for both club and country. He is renowned for his creative passing and crossing.

Is Marcelo married and does he have children?

Yes, Marcelo has been married to Clarice Alves since 2008. Together they have two sons named Enzo and Liam.