(foto: Getty Images)
Marcelo, legendary Real Madrid left-back, becomes a free agent after Fluminense terminate his contract following a heated exchange during a match.
Marcelo, the former Real Madrid icon, has been released by Fluminense after an on-field confrontation with coach Mano Menezes during Friday’s 2-2 draw with Gremio. The incident unfolded as Menezes prepared Marcelo to enter the match, only to change his mind at the last moment, sending him back to the bench.
Footage from the match shows Menezes explaining something to Marcelo before becoming visibly upset and canceling the substitution. According to one account, Marcelo allegedly told Menezes to "not touch him," while another suggests the Brazilian left-back refused to comply with specific tactical instructions. Regardless of the exact reason, the disagreement was serious enough for Fluminense to take decisive action.
Marcelo’s departure is a surprising turn for a player with such an illustrious career. With 29 major titles to his name, Marcelo is one of the most decorated footballers in history, the majority of his success coming during his tenure at Real Madrid from 2007 to 2022. After a brief stint at Olympiacos, Marcelo returned to Fluminense, the club where he began his professional journey, in 2023. His second spell has now come to an abrupt and contentious end.