Marcelo Biography: Wife, Parents, Height, Age, Net Worth, Team, Salary, Nationality

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, commonly known as Marcelo, is a Brazilian football icon revered as one of the greatest left-backs in history.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, he rose from a challenging childhood to become Real Madrid’s most decorated player, with 25 trophies over 16 seasons, including five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns.

Starting at Fluminense, Marcelo’s flair and attacking style caught the eye of Real Madrid, where he joined in 2007 at age 18, hailed as the heir to Roberto Carlos.

Profile

• Full Name: Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior
• Stage Name: Marcelo
• Born: May 12, 1988
• Age: 37 years old
• Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian, Spanish (since 2011)
• Occupation: Former Professional Footballer, Investor, Coach
• Height: 174 cm (5 feet 8 inches)
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Clarice Alves (married 2008)
• Children: Enzo Alves Vieira, Liam Alves Vieira
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10,000,000 to $16,000,000

Early Life & Education

Marcelo was born on May 12, 1988, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood.

His love for football began with futsal at the age of nine, and by the time he was 13, he had joined Fluminense’s youth academy.

Coming from a poor family, Marcelo nearly quit football due to financial struggles, but his grandfather, Pedro Vieira, supported him by funding his training and travel.

Marcelo’s formal education details are sparse, as his focus on football began at a young age. He attended school in Rio de Janeiro before joining Fluminense’s youth system, which consumed much of his time.

After moving to Spain in 2007, he prioritized his professional career over further studies, learning English and Spanish on the job.

Career

Marcelo’s professional career began at Fluminense in 2005, where he made his debut at 17, winning the Campeonato Carioca and earning a spot in the 2006 Brasileirão Team of the Season.

In January 2007, Real Madrid signed him for €8 million, with club president Ramón Calderón calling him a “pearl that half of Europe wanted.”

Debuting against Deportivo La Coruña, Marcelo became a mainstay, playing 546 matches, scoring 38 goals, and providing 103 assists over 16 seasons.

His trophy haul includes five Champions League titles, six La Liga titles, four Club World Cups, and more, making him Real Madrid’s most decorated player with 25 titles. He captained the team in 2021–22, marking the first time a foreign captain had led the team since 1904.

In 2022, Marcelo joined Olympiacos but left after five months, having played 10 games and scored three goals.

He returned to Fluminense in 2023, winning the Copa Libertadores, becoming the 14th player to win both the Champions League and Libertadores.

His contract was terminated in November 2024 after a dispute with coach Mano Menezes, and he retired on February 6, 2025.

Internationally, Marcelo earned 58 caps for Brazil, scoring six goals, and won the 2013 Confederations Cup, a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics.

He was named to the World Cup Dream Team in 2014 and 2018. Marcelo now invests in clubs through his company DOZE, owning stakes in Azuriz and Mafra, and plans to coach.

Awards & Nominations

• FIFPro World XI: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018
• La Liga Team of the Season: 2016
• France Football Team of the Decade (2010–2019)
• 2006 Brasileirão Team of the Season

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @marcelotwelve
• Facebook: Marcelo Vieira

Personal Life

At 37, Marcelo has been married to Clarice Alves, an actress, since 2008. They have two sons, Enzo (born 2009) and Liam (born 2015).

Standing at 174 cm (5 feet 8 inches), Marcelo lives between Rio de Janeiro and Spain, owning a villa in Rio with a football pitch and ocean views.

His tattoos, including his number 12 and birthdate, reflect his pride in his career and family. Marcelo’s grandfather, Pedro Vieira, who passed away in 2014, was his biggest inspiration, and he stayed home from the 2014 World Cup to honor him.

Known for his playful personality, Marcelo once clashed with Cristiano Ronaldo in a Brazil-Portugal match but later assisted him 25 times at Real Madrid. He enjoys spending time with his family and mentoring young players.

Net Worth

Marcelo’s net worth is estimated to be between $10,000,000 and $16,000,000, earned through his Real Madrid salary, endorsements with Adidas, and investments via DOZE.

His contracts with Fluminense and Olympiacos, plus advertising revenue, contribute to his wealth.