Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior, simply known as Marcelo, is a young Brazil international football player who currently features for the Spanish and European giants Real Madrid. He plays as a left-back, a left wingback and at times a left winger.

Marcelo commenced his career in the domain of futsal at the tender age of 9 and four years later he was drafted into the youth academy of one of Brazil’s biggest clubs Fluminense.

He came from a very poor family in Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro and at one stage even considered quitting the insecure and uncertain world of football. But Fluminense persuaded him to continue chasing his dream and so he did.

Marcelo was signed by Real Madrid in January 2007 and the then Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello quickly took into the mix and Marcelo demonstrated just why he is one of the most sought after young player in the world.

Marcelo quickly developed into a key player for Madrid in the subsequent years and has made over 160 appearances in La Liga. He won the Spanish first division title with Los Blancos in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and the Copa del Rey in 2011.

Marcelo was capped by Brazil against Wales in 2006 and he scored in his debut for his country and flared up comparison with the legendary Brazilian Roberto Carlos. He has since played over 15 matches for his country and featured at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.