Marcelo was among the finest attacking full-backs of his era, a left-back who played with the licence and imagination of a winger. Brought to Real Madrid as a teenager from Fluminense, he grew into one of the club’s most decorated players, blessed with silky close control, a gliding dribble and an easy understanding with the great attackers alongside him.
Over a long spell in the Spanish capital he won a remarkable haul of trophies, including multiple Champions League titles and league crowns, eventually captaining the side. Though his defending was never his calling card, his balance and inventiveness made him a symbol of Madrid’s adventurous football, and he represented Brazil across several World Cups.