Marcelo names the Barcelona player he would sign for Real Madrid – ‘He has that Madrid quality’ | OneFootball

In a recent interview with DJMario (h/t SPORT), former Real Madrid defender and club legend Marcelo has named the one Barcelona player he would bring to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The former left-back, who announced his retirement from football earlier this year, named Pedri as his pick ahead of 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up Lamine Yamal, claiming that the Barcelona midfield maestro had that bit of ‘Madrid quality’ in him.

“Right now, I would sign Pedri for Madrid. He has that Madrid quality. Everyone would say Lamine, but I think Pedri would be a better signing,” said Marcelo.

Pedri has been a key player for Barcelona in recent seasons and was one of the chief driving forces behind their successful 2024/25 campaign under Hansi Flick.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old Spanish international could have been a Real Madrid player, with the club having offered him a trial in the past, only to turn him down.

Marcelo would sign Pedri for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“When I took the test at Valdebebas it was strange; they told me I wasn’t up to standard and I went home,“ Pedri revealed during an interview about his trial at Real Madrid.

Marcelo on Ronaldo vs Messi, Enzo Alves

Speaking about his career in football, Marcelo recalled some of the toughest opponents he faced and took a clear stance in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate against Lionel Messi.

“Messi was very tough. Jesus Navas also made it very difficult for me, and I found Xabi Prieto very difficult to defend against too. Pedrito was also very good,” said Marcelo.

“I’ll always go with Cristiano. Messi is incredible. We’ve enjoyed both of them, well, I’ve only enjoyed one. I’m a die-hard Cristiano fan,” he noted.

Even though it has been a few years since he left the club, the Marcelo family legacy will continue through his son Enzo, who plays in the Real Madrid youth ranks and is an international with Spain.

“Enzo is doing well. He feels the pressure of being my son, but as he has grown up in the Madrid dressing room, he is now realising who the players are. They have seen him grow up, they have taken him under their wing,” said Marcelo.

“Now he realises that what he has experienced is not normal. He is happy and content. I love that he is playing for Spain. The national team has been very good to us. They are very fond of my son. He made the decision and he’s very happy,” he concluded.