After his breakthrough season, in 2011 Marcelo was praised by football legends such as Paolo Maldini and Diego Maradona, the latter of whom also called him the best player in the world in his position.
Ao longo da tempada, Marcelo foi eloxiado por lendas do fútbol como Paolo Maldini e Diego Maradona, que tamén o chamou coma o mellor xogador na súa posición.