Marcelo’s Fluminense contract terminated by mutual agreement after altercation with head coach

Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo has left Fluminense by mutual agreement following a touchline altercation with the club’s head coach.

Marcelo, who won the Champions League five times during a 15-year spell at Madrid, leaves Fluminense with six games left to play in the season.

Having been named on the bench for Fluminense’s home match against Gremio, the 36-year-old was preparing to come on a substitute in the closing stages with the hosts defending a 2-1 lead. Video footage widely circulated on social media appeared to show Marcelo receiving instructions from Fluminense head coach Mano Menezes.

The pair were involved in a brief but tense exchange before Menezes ushered Marcelo back to the dugout, where he put on a substitute bib.

22-year-old forward John Kennedy was eventually sent on instead before Reinaldo scored a penalty nine minutes into stoppage time to salvage a point for Gremio.

A club statement on Saturday confirming Marcelo’s exit said the defender’s contract had been terminated by “mutual agreement between the parties”.

It added: “Fluminense thanks Marcelo and will continue, as always, to support his success in all his challenges.”

Marcelo began his playing career with Fluminense and returned to his boyhood club in February 2023 following a five-month stint with Olympiacos.

He joined Real Madrid in 2007 and went on to make 546 appearances for the Spanish club, winning six La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.

At international level, he won 58 caps for Brazil, scoring six goals.

(Wagner Meier/Getty Images)