Marcelo's five challenges as he turns 32

Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2020 by Marca.com

Marcelo has already established himself as one of the most successful players in Real Madrid's history and the Brazilian left-back is celebrating his 32nd birthday this Tuesday.

Marcelo has won numerous trophies and has broken several records at Los Blancos, but there are still a few challenges to overcome in a rather complicated period for him at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Here, we look at the five challenges he is facing.

To compete with Mendy for a starter spot

Ferland Mendy's emergence has prompted Zinedine Zidane to drop an injury-prone Marcelo to the bench this season.

The Brazilian will try to win back his spot in the starting line-up.

Although there are rumours concerning his possible departure this summer, he insists that he wants to remain at the club.

To become the foreigner with the most appearances

Roberto Carlos has featured in more games than any other foreign Real Madrid player with 527.

Marcelo has registered 505 matches so far, closely followed by Karim Benzema with 501.

Another campaign at Los Blancos will be enough to help Marcelo break his compatriot's record.

To regain his influence on the pitch

Marcelo's figures have dropped dramatically in the last couple of years.

This season he has played 19 games and has scored just one goal, while last season he netted three in 34 matches.

Meanwhile, in 2017/18, he managed five goals in 44 encounters and one year before he played 47 times and scored three goals.

His 13 and 11 assists from the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons respectively have dropped to last year's six and to the five of the ongoing campaign.

To beat Gento's titles record

Paco Gento tops the list of the Real Madrid players with the most titles at the club with 23 trophies.

He is followed by Sergio Ramos, Manolo Sanchis and Marcelo, who have won 21 titles each.

Should he manage to lift another three trophies, Marcelo will write his name with golden letters in the history of Los Blancos.

To get back in the Brazil squad

Marcelo didn't participate in the 2019 Copa America, one which Brazil won on home soil.

The 32-year-old left-back, who has won a Confederations Cup with the Selecao, is eager to challenge for a spot in Tite's squad for the next Copa America.