Brazil legend Marcelo declares for Spain in World Cup final: “My children were born here, I’ve lived here 20 years”

NEW YORK — With Brazil out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the country’s greatest ever defenders has found a new team to cheer for on Sunday — and

Former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo Vieira, a five-time Champions League winner and Brazil international who earned 58 caps for A Seleção, has thrown his support behind Spain for Sunday’s final against Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. And his reasons run far deeper than mere football.

“Brazil is already out of the World Cup, so in the final against Argentina I will support Spain,” Marcelo declared in an interview with Spanish media. “My children were born here and I’ve been living in Madrid for 20 years”.

The 38-year-old, who retired from professional football in March 2025 after a trophy-laden career that included 16 seasons at Real Madrid, has made Spain his home for two decades. That deep-rooted connection — combined with his children’s Spanish birthright — has made his choice of allegiance clear.

A son who chose Spain

Perhaps the most personal motivation for Marcelo is his eldest son, Enzo Alves Vieira, the 16-year-old Real Madrid academy forward who has already chosen to represent Spain at youth level. Enzo, born in Madrid on September 16, 2009, captains Spain’s U-17 national team and has become one of the most closely watched prospects in La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s famed youth system.

Marcelo has previously spoken about his son’s decision to spurn Brazil for Spain, telling former teammate Iker Casillas: “Enzo was born in Spain, his life is here. He loves Brazil, but everything he knows is here, and the Spanish national team treated us incredibly well. What matters most is that he’s happy”.

Respect for Argentina, but Spain’s “collective play” wins

Despite his admiration for the defending champions — and his history of facing Lionel Messi throughout his career — Marcelo believes Spain’s team play will carry the day.

“I respect Argentina,” he told CBS Sports Golazo. “But Spain, for me, has good collective play, so I am going with Spain”.

Sunday’s final pits the 2022 champions Argentina against a Spain side chasing their second World Cup crown, having last lifted the trophy in 2010. For Marcelo, the occasion carries an extra layer of emotion — not just as a neutral observer, but as a father watching the country his son represents chase glory on the biggest stage.

“The Spanish national team was very top with us. They called us, they explained the project, and that for me is the most important thing,” he said previously. “He should feel happy and comfortable in his decision — but it’s his”.

For a man who won everything at club level but never lifted a World Cup with Brazil, Sunday will offer a different kind of satisfaction — cheering for the nation that became his home, and the team his son one day hopes to lead.