Madrid, Spain — In a shocking and heartbreaking turn of events, Real Madrid legend Marcelo Vieira has been rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care after being mauled by a dog he once owned, according to multiple eyewitnesses.
The incident occurred late Thursday evening outside Marcelo’s residence in the upscale La Moraleja district. Neighbors reported hearing desperate screams followed by the sound of chaos as the footballer struggled to fend off the large dog — reportedly a pit bull mix he had given away several months earlier to a close acquaintance.
Witnesses said the encounter began as a joyful reunion. The dog, who had apparently escaped from its new home, ran toward Marcelo wagging its tail, seemingly recognizing its former owner. Marcelo was said to have knelt down, arms open, ready to embrace the animal — but within moments, the scene turned tragic.
“It was absolutely horrifying,” said one witness. “The dog seemed calm at first, then suddenly lunged at Marcelo’s arm and face. There was blood everywhere. People were shouting for help, and it all happened so fast.”
Emergency services arrived within minutes, and Marcelo was immediately transported to Hospital Universitario La Paz, where he remains under close observation. Early reports indicate he suffered severe bite wounds to his arm and shoulder, and doctors are monitoring for possible infections and nerve damage.
Authorities are investigating how the dog managed to return to Marcelo’s home and what may have triggered the sudden aggression. Animal behavior experts suggest that while dogs often remember former owners, emotional confusion or territorial stress can sometimes cause unpredictable reactions.
Marcelo’s representatives have yet to release an official statement, but messages of support have flooded social media from fans and former teammates, including emotional tributes from Real Madrid’s locker room.
“We are all praying for you, brother,” wrote Vinícius Jr. on Instagram. “You are strong — you’ll get through this.”
The incident has reignited public debate in Spain over the dangers of owning strong or potentially aggressive dog breeds, and whether former owners should maintain contact after rehoming pets with unstable temperaments.
As of Friday morning, hospital officials confirmed that Marcelo is stable but still in intensive care, surrounded by family members. Doctors remain cautiously optimistic about his recovery, but say it may take weeks before he regains full mobility in his injured arm.
For now, what was meant to be a heartwarming reunion between man and his loyal companion has instead become a haunting reminder of how fragile the bond between humans and animals can sometimes be.