
KW24 Marcelo Vieira at a farewell press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz as Real Madrid CF s player. June 13, 2022. (2022061360)
KW24 Marcelo Vieira at a farewell press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz as Real Madrid CF s player. June 13, 2022. (2022061360)
Jul 24, 2026, 11:30 PM CUT
Brazil Legend Marcelo Reveals His Go-To Functional Workout
With over 25 trophies with Real Madrid and five Champions League titles, Marcelo Vieira remains one of the greatest left-backs of all time. His latest training session offered another glimpse into the movement-focused workouts that have long been associated with his playing style.
Real Madrid legend Marcelo Vieira recently took to Instagram on July 23, posting snapshots from his latest training session with the caption, "Back to reality," a sarcastic nod to his recent travels to watch the FIFA World Cup.
The pictures showed him sprinting with a resistance band, rowing, and practicing his ball skills and long jumps. He also exercised with plyometric hurdles and a gym ball before capping off the session on the treadmill.
While Marcelo didn't break down a formal workout routine, the session reflected the movement-based training approach he has spoken about throughout his career.

Bilder des Tages - SPORT Real Madrid s Marcelo Vieira during training session. May 1,2017. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxPOLxDENxNORxSWExONLY (2017050158)
Bilder des Tages - SPORT Real Madrid s Marcelo Vieira during training session. May 1,2017. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxPOLxDENxNORxSWExONLY (2017050158)
In fact, Vieira's training philosophy revolves around movement and explosive agility, rather than lifting heavy in the gym. Speaking with The Cracks, the Madrid star even confirmed:
"I was never an athlete... Sure, I've worked hard, but I've never been one to hit the gym or follow a strict diet or anything like that."
Still, Vieira's mastery and his "mind-blowing" ball control on the field, as described by FIFA, are still among the best, as is visible in his Instagram post (@marcelotwelve).
The drills featured in his latest workout, including resistance sprints, plyometrics, and balance exercises, reflect the movement-focused approach that has characterized his training for years.
In his retirement announcement in February 2025, Marcelo said he still had "much to give to football," reflecting on his dedication to fitness.
Marcelo's passion for football extends beyond retirement
Marcelo Vieira now runs his investment company DOZE (Twelve), inspired by his shirt number, which is an umbrella brand for all his soccer-related ventures.
Beyond a player management agency, DOZE also operates Academy 12, focusing on youth development and creating future soccer stars. The holding also owns a majority stake in the Brazilian club Azuriz.
Marcelo Vieira also surprised his fans with a friendly tournament at Gerard Pique's Kings Cup in November last year, highlighting his passion for soccer.
His retirement video itself wrapped up with a video clip of Vieira playing soccer with his sons, capturing a heartwarming passing-of-the-torch moment.
While Marcelo's playing days are over, his latest workout showed that the movement and explosiveness that defined his career remain a central part of his daily routine.
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Written by
Proma Chatterjee
Edited by

Rudra Dubey