Marcelo (footballer, born 1989)


Marcelo dos Santos Ferreira, known simply as Marcelo, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Portuguese club F.C. Paços de Ferreira as a central defender.

Club career

Marcelo was born in São Carlos, São Paulo. After failing to impose himself at CR Vasco da Gama, he joined amateurs Rio Preto Esporte Clube.
Marcelo moved to Portugal in 2010, signing with G.D. Ribeirão in the third division. For the 2011–12 season he went straight to the Primeira Liga with Rio Ave FC, being immediately loaned to Leixões SC.
Marcelo made his debut in the Portuguese top flight on 18 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 home loss against C.S. Marítimo. At the end of the campaign, in which he started in all his 28 appearances to help his team finish in sixth position, he won the club's Player of the Year award.
On 23 May 2018, Marcelo joined Sporting CP on a free transfer and a three-year contract. On 27 December, however, after only one appearance in the Taça de Portugal and another in the Taça da Liga to his credit, he moved to the Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire FC for a reported €500,000 fee.
On 14 January 2020, Marcelo left the Soldier Field by mutual consent. Shortly after, he returned to the Portuguese top tier with F.C. Paços de Ferreira.

Honours

Club

Sporting