When Marcelo Lightly Roasts Real Madrid: Mbappé Admiration, Family First, and a Teen Dream

Marcelo's quiet relationship with Madrid matches

Marcelo, the Real Madrid icon, revealed he has not been following the senior team's matches closely for some time, saying he mostly watches his children's games which are plentiful and very demanding.

In a candid chat, he told the Spanish daily AS that his viewing habits have shifted. He remarked he doesn’t watch many games lately, preferring to watch his kids play, and that travel makes it hard to stay up to date with Real Madrid.

Mbappé admiration and the new signings

Regarding Real Madrid's recent signings, especially Álvaro Carerras and Alexander Arnold, Marcelo said he doesn’t watch a lot of football these days but stressed that as long as they wear the Madrid shirt, they’re probably good.

On Mbappé, Marcelo was glowing: “He’s fantastic, physically exceptional, and a talent with a remarkable work rate and goal-scoring ability.” He added that he would have loved to play with him, but Mbappé reportedly arrived in Madrid a bit late for the party.

Vinícius, Alonso, Yamal, and a young Madrid talent

Asked about the recent clash between Vinícius Júnior and coach Xabi Alonso during el Clásico, Marcelo again admitted he does not closely follow every match or embrace, but noted the latest results and interactions with warmth.

He returned to Mbappé: “He’s wonderful… an incredible physical specimen with immense talent and relentless effort.”

When asked about facing Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Marcelo said: “He’s superb and would have posed real trouble for me.” He finished by highlighting Gabri Valero, the 18-year-old academy talent, praising his dribbling and control and suggesting he could soon join the first team, while mentioning a soft spot for Kvaratskhelia as well.

Two light-hearted notes to close the chat, because even legends need a laugh: if my passes were as sharp as my jokes, I’d have won the league on punchlines alone; and if Marcelo’s memory were a goalkeeper, it would still let in a few goals just to keep life entertaining.