Felipe Melo, a 3-time Copa Libertadores winner, bids farewell to football at 41

Felipe Melo, the 41-year-old Brazilian midfielder with a decorated career, has officially announced his retirement from football. Known for his tough play and fiery presence on the field, Melo made his mark across several top European clubs and the Brazilian national team.

In his farewell message, he reflected on a journey filled with victories and challenges: "Today I close one of the most important chapters of my life: my career as a football player. It was an incredible journey, full of battles and triumphs," Melo wrote on his social media. His decision to retire comes after Fluminense, the Brazilian club with which he won the 2023 Copa Libertadores, decided not to renew his contract, which expired on December 31st.

A Career Defined by Titles and Controversies

Throughout his career, Melo achieved significant success, winning three Copa Libertadores titles and a Confederations Cup with Brazil. However, he was also known for his controversial actions both on and off the field, which often involved tough challenges and disciplinary issues, including several expulsions.

Despite these moments, Melo expressed deep gratitude for his journey: "I thank all the clubs I had the pleasure to play for, the fans who fueled my journey, my teammates, and everyone who marked this path. But above all, I thank God, who gave me the gift, the courage, and the opportunity to live all of this," Melo shared.

A Lasting Bond with Fluminense

Although Melo is retiring from playing, his connection to Fluminense remains strong. Recently, he represented the club at a promotional event in New York, engaging with FIFA World Cup sponsors. Prior to joining Fluminense in 2022, Melo had a successful spell with Palmeiras, where he won two Copa Libertadores titles (2020 and 2021), a Campeonato Brasileiro (2018), a Copa do Brasil (2020), and a Campeonato Paulista (2020). His time with the club also saw him rise to the role of captain.

Key Highlights from Felipe Melo's Career

• Announced retirement at 41 years old.
• Three Copa Libertadores titles: 2005 (with Palmeiras), 2020, and 2021.
• Conquered the 2009 Confederations Cup with Brazil.
• Played for top clubs across Europe, including Almería, Racing Santander, Real Mallorca, Juventus, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Galatasaray.
• A decorated career at Galatasaray, winning three Turkish Cups, three Super Lig titles, and three Supercups.
• Represented Brazil at the 2010 World Cup.
• Played for Fluminense from 2022, winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores and 2024 Recopa Sudamericana.