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Felipe Melo
Felipe Melo
Felipe Melo
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Felipe Melo de Carvalho (born 26 June 1983), known as Felipe Melo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder or centre-back.

Key Information

He began his career with Brazilian teams Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Grêmio, before moving to Spain in 2005, where he represented Mallorca, Racing Santander and Almería in La Liga. After one year at Fiorentina, he signed for Juventus for €25 million in 2009. Felipe Melo spent four seasons at Galatasaray, playing 154 total games and winning eight honours, including three Süper Lig titles. After a spell back in Serie A with Inter Milan, he returned to Brazil in 2017 by signing for Palmeiras. He won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2018 and the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and 2021 with Palmeiras, before joining Fluminense where he won the latter again in 2023, before retiring in 2025.

Felipe Melo was a Brazilian international from 2009 to 2010, earning 22 caps and scoring two goals. He was part of their squads that won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

[edit]

Brazil

[edit]

Felipe Melo began his career for Flamengo, where he made 69 appearances and scored no goals in his two-season spell with the club. Following impressive performances with Flamengo, Melo transferred to Cruzeiro in the summer of 2003, but would remain for just one season. In his single season with Cruzeiro, Melo managed to make 31 league appearances, scoring two goals. Following yet another impressive season in Brazil, he was sold to Grêmio.

Following his transfer to Grêmio, Melo managed to make an additional 19 appearances and adding three goals to his tally in his native Brazil. He would only remain in Porto Alegre for 2004, because Grêmio was relegated that year and the team was dismantled.

Spain

[edit]

In January 2005, Felipe Melo moved abroad for the first time, joining Spanish La Liga club Mallorca, who released Andrija Delibašić to give him a place.[3] He played only eight times for the Balearic team, his season ending through knee ligament injury against Valencia in March;[4] they narrowly avoided relegation.

Ahead of the 2005–06 season, Melo moved to fellow league team Racing de Santander. He scored his first goal for them on 21 December, in a 2–1 win away to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.[5]

On 3 July 2007, Felipe Melo became Almería's first signing ahead of their debut top-flight season. The transfer, which involved buying some of his rights from a third-party owner, was the most expensive in the club's history.[6] He was a regular in midfield for Unai Emery's team, contributing seven goals as the Andalusians finished 8th.

Fiorentina

[edit]

After a successful first season at Almería, Felipe Melo agreed to transfer to Italian side Fiorentina in a reported €13 million transfer for the 2008–09 season.[7][8] Having held Spanish nationality since the 2007–08 season, he was not counted as a non-EU player in the Italian Serie A.[9]

He made his debut in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League against Slavia Prague, and scored his first goal in a Viola shirt against Atalanta in the Serie A. After a very impressive debut season in the Serie A, which included 29 appearances and two goals, the Brazilian transferred to Juventus in Turin.

Juventus

[edit]
Felipe Melo training with Juventus in 2009

On 30 June 2009, following a lauded performance with Brazil at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, Felipe Melo signed a new five-year contract with Fiorentina,[10] with a release clause of €25 million. At this point, Arsenal was reportedly in negotiations to sign the player.[11] Within days, however, Melo was the subject of a bid from Juventus. The two rival clubs eventually agreed a fee of €25 million in total and Juve's Marco Marchionni joined Fiorentina on 15 July 2009 for a tagged price of €4.5 million.[12][13][14] Later, Cristiano Zanetti, tagged for €2 million, re-joined Fiorentina.[15] This allowed Juve to pay Fiorentina €18.5 million in three instalments.

The first half of the 2009–10 season was one to forget despite a bright start to his Juve career. He scored his first Juve goal against top-of-the-table rivals Roma in a 3–1 win. In the December Derby d'Italia fixture at home, he was controversially sent off for a supposed elbow at Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli. The incident sparked a fiery argument between his teammate Gianluigi Buffon and Inter midfielder Thiago Motta, and both had to be separated by Inter and Juve players. Due to his poor performances throughout the season, he won the Bidone d'Oro Award in 2009, which was given to the worst Serie A player during a particular season.[16] Melo was instrumental in his side's win over A.C. Milan at the San Siro in the 2010–11 season, and was later voted man of the match.

Galatasaray

[edit]
Felipe Melo playing for Galatasaray in 2014

On 22 July 2011, Felipe Melo joined Galatasaray in Turkey on a season-long loan deal for €1.5 million, with an option to transfer permanently at the end of the season for €13 million.[17][18] He agreed on a contract with a net annual salary of €3.3 million plus a per-appearance bonus of €30,000,[19] replacing departed Lorik Cana as the club's new central midfielder. He was attributed to the nickname "Pitbull" by the team supporters because of his passionate playing style, which also helped him become a fans favourite quickly; it is said that he displayed the mutual respect back with his tattoo of the club's mascot, a lion, on his arm.[20] This is not true, however, because in his own statement, he states that this is a coincidence and that he got the tattoo due to the fact that in Brazil, a lion is a symbol for Jesus Christ.[21]

Felipe Melo scored his first goal on 18 September 2011 from a 35-metre-long shot against Samsunspor. He scored 12 goals in 36 league matches, and at the end of the season, he was among the champion squad.

Felipe Melo had been expected to make a permanent move to Galatasaray, but on 24 July, transfer fee negotiations between the club and Juventus broke down due to the Turkish club requesting a lower fee for the player.[22] On 14 August, the two clubs were able to agree another loan deal sending Melo to Turkey for the 2012–13 season, for €1.75 million, with the agreement including "the option, to be exercised by Galatasaray by 30 April 2013, for the permanent acquisition of the player for a price of €6.5 million".[23] Melo also had a wage cut to €2.9 million with an appearances-based bonus of €25,000.[24]

On 24 November, in a game between Galatasaray and Elazığspor in the Süper Lig, Felipe Melo went in goal and saved a penalty, after regular keeper Fernando Muslera had committed a foul and been sent off after Galatasaray had already used all their substitutions.[25]

On 20 July 2013, Felipe Melo made a permanent move to Galatasaray on a three-year contract worth €3.1 million plus bonuses, while the transfer fee was reduced to €3.75 million plus bonuses of a maximum €500,000, which the club activated.[26][27][28] He made his 100th appearance for the club on 2 February 2014 in Süper Lig encounter against Bursaspor in a 6–0 home win.[29]

On 13 August 2015, Melo signed a four-year contract extension; during the first season of said contract, the yearly salary remained unchanged at €3.1 million, but was set to be reduced to €2.6 million for next three seasons.[30] As of 2015, he is the most decorated Brazilian player in Turkish domestic competitions, winning seven cups, beating the record of his fellow countryman and ex-Galatasaray goalkeeper Cláudio Taffarel.[31]

Inter Milan

[edit]

On 31 August 2015, Felipe Melo returned to Italy to sign with Inter Milan[32] on a two-year contract and a €3.7 million transfer fee, plus €500,000 bonuses for each UEFA Champions League group stage qualification of the club, up to the 2017–18 season. Melo also received €657,500 from Galatasaray.[33][34] He officially returned to Serie A play on 23 September 2015 against Hellas Verona, against which he also scored his first goal for Inter.

Palmeiras

[edit]
Felipe Melo in action for Palmeiras in 2018

On 8 January 2017, Palmeiras announced the signing of Felipe Melo on a three-year contract.[35] Four days later Inter Milan announced that it was a loan until 30 June,[36] with Melo's contract with Inter set to expire on the same day. He made his debut on 5 February in a 1–0 home win over Botafogo-SP on the first day of the Campeonato Paulista season; during the game he screamed in the ear of opponent Samuel Santos, which he admitted was done to liven up the fans.[37] On 22 March, he scored his first goal for the team to conclude a 2–0 win over Mirassol also at Allianz Parque.[38] In July, he was frozen out of the team for criticising manager Cuca; he returned in September.[39]

In the 2018 season, Palmeiras came second in the state and first in the national league, under the management of Luiz Felipe Scolari. Felipe Melo said that he improved as a player and a professional under the new manager, and contributed two goals, one being in a 3–0 win over Fluminense in the final stretch of the season.[40]

Felipe Melo signed a new contract in June 2019, for two more years at Palmeiras.[41] He scored three times in that year's national competition, including in derbies against Corinthians (1–1 away draw) and São Paulo (3–0 home win).[42][43]

In the 2020 season, Felipe Melo was part of a Palmeiras team that won the state championship and the Copa do Brasil, as well as the Copa Libertadores.[44] His team retained the continental tournament a year later with an extra-time final win over Flamengo in Montevideo.[45]

Fluminense

[edit]

On 13 December 2021, 38-year-old Felipe Melo returned to his home state's football 18 years after leaving Flamengo, signing for Fluminense. He chose the squad number 70 in allusion to the team's win in the 1952 Copa Rio 70 years earlier.[46] His team won the 2022 Campeonato Carioca against Flamengo.[47]

In 2023, Fluminense retained the state title against the same rival, and in September that year Felipe Melo's contract was extended to the end of 2024.[48] He also won his third career Libertadores title, against Boca Juniors.[49]

Retirement

[edit]

On 24 January 2025, Felipe Melo announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.[50]

International career

[edit]

Felipe Melo made his senior international debut for Brazil on 10 February 2009 against Italy in a friendly, a match Brazil won 2–0. On 1 April 2009, he scored his first goal for his country against Peru in a 3–0 World Cup qualification victory.

Felipe Melo was named to the Brazilian squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, playing in every match of the tournament for his side and scoring the opener in a 3–0 group stage win against the United States.[51] Brazil would again beat the U.S. in the final to win a third consecutive Confederations Cup title.[52]

Felipe Melo was named in Brazil's final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In Brazil's quarter-final against the Netherlands in Port Elizabeth, he provided the assist for Robinho's tenth-minute opener, before Melo himself slightly touched a Wesley Sneijder cross, which at first was recorded as an own goal, but later credited to Sneijder. Sneijder then put the Dutch 2–1 ahead, before Melo was then sent off by referee Yuichi Nishimura in the 73rd minute for a violent stamp on Dutch winger Arjen Robben.[53] On Brazil's return home after the World Cup, Felipe Melo took the brunt of the criticism of the fans as they threw insults, pushed and shoved towards the players.[54]

Style of play

[edit]

A quick, strong, tenacious, yet talented midfielder, Felipe Melo is known in particular for his hard-working, energetic, physical, and hard-tackling playing style, which has earned him the nicknames Pitbull and Gladiator, while in 2015 his Inter manager at the time, Roberto Mancini, described Melo and his teammate Gary Medel as warriors.[55][56][57] He is able to play as a central or box-to-box midfielder, but is usually deployed as a defensive midfielder, where his stamina, power, tactical intelligence, and ball-winning abilities aid him in breaking down opposing plays, while his good all-round skills, first touch, and passing allow him subsequently to distribute the ball to his more offensive-minded teammates.[56][57][58][59][60][61] In addition to his defensive attributes, he is also known for his dynamism and ability to make late runs into the area from midfield, which occasionally enables him to provide an additional attacking outlet to his teams.[56] Throughout his career, Melo has stood out for his leadership on the pitch, although he has also equally been criticised for his aggression and tendency to pick up cards.[55][58][62]

Personal life

[edit]

Felipe Melo is married to Roberta,[63] and they have one daughter (Pietra) and three sons, Davi, Linyker (who he named after the English centre forward Gary Lineker),[64] and Bernardo.

On 18 June 2013, through Twitter and Facebook, Felipe Melo offended Renato Maurício Prado, a pundit of the Fox Sports channel. Among another names callings, Melo called Prado "coward", "arsehole" and "the most famous cuckold of sporting journalism".[65][66] Prado sued Melo in August.[67]

On 4 June 2014, Felipe Melo was on vacation with his family and friend in Las Vegas. Whilst enjoying dinner with his family and friends, a former football player and his friend handed Melo a hand-written paper stating "Sampiyon Fenerbahçe – which means Champion Fenerbahçe". Fenerbahçe, the main opponent of Galatasaray, had finished as Turkish Süper Lig champions for the 2013–14 season, which had just concluded. Melo responded to the note by showing the two his middle finger and by kicking one of them. The case was taken to American police.[68]

Felipe Melo endorsed Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 Brazilian presidential election.[69][70] He dedicated his winning goal against Chapecoense in October 2019 to the president, a fan of Palmeiras.[71]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 21 September 2024[72][73][74][75]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League State league[a] National cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Flamengo 2001 Série A 3 1 0 0 0 0 — — 3 1
2002 21 2 0 0 0 0 6[c] 2 — 27 4
2003 2 0 0 0 0 0 — — 2 0
Total 26 3 0 0 0 0 6 2 — 32 5
Cruzeiro 2003 Série A 31 2 0 0 0 0 2[d] 0 — 33 2
2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 3[c] 1 — 3 1
Total 31 2 0 0 0 0 5 1 — 36 3
Grêmio 2004 Série A 19 3 0 0 0 0 2[d] 0 — 21 3
Mallorca 2004–05 La Liga 7 0 — 0 0 — — 7 0
Racing Santander 2005–06 La Liga 33 3 — 1 0 — — 34 3
2006–07 15 3 — 0 0 — — 15 3
Total 48 6 — 1 0 — — 49 6
Almería 2007–08 La Liga 33 7 — 1 0 — — 34 7
Fiorentina 2008–09 Serie A 29 2 — 1 0 10[e] 0 — 40 2
Juventus 2009–10 Serie A 29 3 — 2 0 9[f] 0 — 40 3
2010–11 29 1 — 2 0 7[g] 0 — 38 1
Total 58 4 — 4 0 16 0 — 78 4
Galatasaray 2011–12 Süper Lig 36 12 — 0 0 — — 36 12
2012–13 26 1 — 0 0 9[h] 0 — 35 1
2013–14 30 1 — 8 1 8[h] 1 1[i] 0 47 3
2014–15 20 1 — 7 1 6[h] 0 1[i] 0 34 2
2015–16 2 0 — 0 0 0 0 — 2 0
Total 114 15 — 15 2 23 1 2 0 154 18
Inter Milan 2015–16 Serie A 26 1 — 2 0 — — 28 1
2016–17 5 0 — 0 0 5[g] 0 — 10 0
Total 31 1 — 2 0 5 0 — 38 1
Palmeiras 2017 Série A 10 0 13 2 3 0 4[c] 0 — 30 2
2018 29 2 13 0 5 1 8[c] 0 — 55 3
2019 24 3 11 1 4 0 9[c] 2 — 48 6
2020 15 0 13 1 4 0 6[c] 0 0 0 38 1
2021 24 1 8 0 1 0 8[c] 0 5[j] 0 46 1
Total 102 6 58 4 17 1 35 2 5 0 217 13
Fluminense 2022 Série A 24 0 6 0 4 0 4[c] 0 — 38 0
2023 19 2 11 0 3 1 12[c] 0 2[k] 0 47 3
2024 10 0 4 0 1 0 6[c] 0 2[l] 0 23 0
Total 53 2 21 0 8 1 22 0 4 0 108 3
Career total 551 51 79 4 49 4 124 6 11 0 814 67
  1. ^ Includes Campeonato Mineiro, Campeonato Gaúcho, Campeonato Paulista
  2. ^ Includes Copa del Rey, Copa do Brasil, Coppa Italia, Turkish Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearances in Copa Libertadores
  4. ^ a b Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
  5. ^ Eight appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Cup
  6. ^ Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  7. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  8. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  9. ^ a b Appearance in Turkish Super Cup
  10. ^ Two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup, two appearances in Recopa Sudamericana, one appearance in Supercopa do Brasil
  11. ^ Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  12. ^ Appearance(s) in Recopa Sudamericana

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[76]
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 2009 15 2
2010 7 0
Total 22 2
Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Felipe Melo goal.
List of international goals scored by Felipe Melo[77]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 1 April 2009 Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil  Peru 3–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 18 June 2009 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa  United States 1–0 3–0 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

Honours

[edit]

Flamengo

Cruzeiro

Galatasaray

Palmeiras

Fluminense

Brazil

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Felipe Melo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Felipe Melo de Carvalho (born 26 June 1983) is a Brazilian former professional footballer who primarily played as a defensive . Standing at 1.83 meters tall, he was known for his physical presence, tackling ability, and combative style on the pitch. Melo began his career in Brazil with Flamengo before moving to Europe, where he featured for clubs including Fiorentina, Juventus, and in Italy's , as well as Galatasaray in Turkey's . He achieved notable success, securing three Turkish titles and one with Galatasaray, alongside two Brazilian Série A championships and a with Palmeiras. Returning to Brazil later in his career, he played for Fluminense until announcing his retirement on 24 January 2025 at age 41, following a stint marked by both contributions to the team and disciplinary lapses. Internationally, Melo represented , earning 26 caps and participating in the , where he received a red card for a reckless challenge during the quarter-final loss to the . Throughout his career, he amassed a reputation for volatility, accumulating numerous red cards, including a infamous on an opponent while at that resulted in a three-match suspension, and a late-career ejection for shoving opposition staff at Fluminense. These incidents underscored a playing style that, while effective in breaking up play, often crossed into aggression, leading to suspensions that ended seasons on sour notes.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Felipe Melo de Carvalho was born on 26 June 1983 in Barra Mansa, a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, . He spent much of his early childhood in neighboring , where his family lived amid modest circumstances. Melo grew up in a working-class with his parents and three siblings; his mother remained at home to care for the children, while his father worked daily to provide for the family, emphasizing discipline and values despite limited resources and comforts. The family navigated socioeconomic hardships, including exposure to one of the most dangerous favelas in the Rio de Janeiro region, rife with drugs, weapons, and criminal influences that claimed the lives of 95% of his childhood friends. Melo has credited his parents' guidance for steering him away from such perils during his formative years.

Youth Football Development

Felipe Melo developed his initial football skills in the youth categories of Flamengo, one of Brazil's premier clubs for talent nurturing. Recruited as a promising , he trained at the club's Gávea facility, focusing on tactical discipline and physical conditioning in competitive youth environments. His progression through Flamengo's youth ranks emphasized building a robust physique suited to the demands of midfield battles, with Melo reaching a of 1.83 meters by adolescence, aiding his dominance in aerial duels and tackles. Early displays of aggression and tenacity in youth matches marked him as a standout, though these traits occasionally drew scrutiny for their intensity. Prior to Flamengo, Melo had exposure in the lower-division youth setup of Volta Redonda FC, his hometown club in Rio de Janeiro state, providing foundational organized training before his transfer to a higher-profile academy. This pathway from local to elite youth systems honed his technical fundamentals amid Brazil's competitive grassroots football landscape.

Club Career

Early Career in Brazil

Felipe Melo began his professional career with Flamengo, making his debut in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A on November 15, 2001, during a 3–1 loss to São Paulo. Over two seasons with the club, he featured in 24 matches and scored three goals, primarily as a defensive midfielder developing his physical presence and tackling ability. His performances at Flamengo, though in a team struggling amid financial issues, showcased early promise in regaining possession and distributing from deep positions. In July 2003, Melo transferred to Cruzeiro for an undisclosed fee, where he quickly adapted to a more competitive environment. During his single season there, he appeared in 36 league and cup matches, contributing to the team's success in winning the in 2003—the club's state championship title that year. This period marked his first experience with silverware, highlighting his role in midfield battles and defensive solidity, though specific goal or assist tallies from that campaign remain limited in records, reflecting his primary function as a destroyer rather than creator. Melo moved to Grêmio in July 2004, playing 21 matches in the and other competitions during a season where the club fought relegation. His tenure at Grêmio solidified his reputation for tenacity and leadership potential, with consistent starts demonstrating improved positional awareness and aerial duels, but without major titles or standout statistical outputs like goals (none recorded prominently) or assists. These stints across Flamengo, Cruzeiro, and Grêmio represented foundational development in Brazil's competitive leagues, building the combative style that attracted European interest by mid-2005.

Move to Europe: Spain and Italy

In July 2005, Felipe Melo joined Racing Santander in on a permanent transfer from , marking his entry into an football after stints in . During his four-year tenure with the club, which frequently contended against relegation—finishing 17th in 2005–06 and 2006–07—Melo established a reputation for his robust physical presence as a defensive , contributing to gritty survival efforts in a league demanding tactical discipline and endurance beyond Brazilian Serie A norms. He recorded 6 goals across 48 appearances, with his first strike coming on 21 December 2005 in a 2–1 away victory over , highlighting his combative interceptions and aerial duels amid the intensity of mid-table scraps. Melo later reflected on this Spanish phase as his most challenging adaptation to , grappling with cultural shifts, faster-paced defending, and the pressure of consistent performances in a foreign environment that tested his raw athleticism against more refined opponents. Despite these hurdles, his tenacity in breaking up plays and shielding the backline proved valuable in Racing's high-stakes matches, such as key home wins that staved off descent, fostering the hard-edged style that would define his continental career. In 2008, Melo transferred to Fiorentina in , signing ahead of the 2008–09 campaign in a move valued at approximately €13 million following a brief, productive spell at . He debuted on 31 August 2008 in a 1–1 draw against Juventus, immediately showcasing defensive solidity by anchoring the midfield and limiting opposition advances in a high-profile fixture that underscored Italy's tactical rigor. Over the season, Melo made 29 appearances with 2 goals, rapidly adjusting to 's emphasis on positional awareness and physical confrontations, where his aggressive tackling and ball-winning complemented Fiorentina's balanced setup under . His contributions in central areas helped stabilize transitions, fitting seamlessly into the league's elevated competitive tempo compared to his Spanish experiences.

Fiorentina and Juventus

Felipe Melo joined ACF Fiorentina on 16 July 2009 from UD Almería for a transfer fee of €13 million, signing a five-year contract. Under manager Cesare Prandelli, he assumed a central role in the midfield, starting 29 of 38 Serie A matches in the 2009–10 season and contributing 2 goals and 1 assist. His performances helped Fiorentina secure a fourth-place finish in Serie A, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, while the team advanced to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia before elimination by Milan. Melo praised Prandelli's tactical acumen, crediting the coach for enhancing his understanding of Italian football's demands. On 24 June 2010, Melo transferred to Juventus for €25 million, a club record fee at the time, amid high expectations to anchor the midfield. In his debut 2010–11 season under , he featured in 32 appearances, scoring 2 goals, but struggled with consistency and disciplinary issues, including multiple yellow cards. With Antonio Conte's arrival in 2011, Melo adapted to a more defensive tactical setup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, contributing to Juventus' wins in 2011–12 and 2012–13; however, his output remained underwhelming, with only 1 goal in 57 league games over those campaigns. Reflecting on his Juventus stint in a 2025 , Melo admitted to immaturity and "dozens of mistakes" in preparation and , noting he played nearly 100 games but paid dearly for errors like losing possession and reacting poorly to fan boos. Despite team successes, including back-to-back titles, his individual form failed to match the €25 million investment, leading to a loan to Galatasaray in January 2013 before a permanent €3.1 million transfer that summer.

Galatasaray and Inter Milan


Felipe Melo joined Galatasaray on 17 July 2013, signing a three-year contract from Juventus for a transfer fee of €3.5 million. During his initial two seasons with the club, he established himself as a key defensive midfielder, contributing to the team's domestic campaigns amid his characteristic combative style. In the season, Galatasaray finished second, one point behind Fenerbahçe, with Melo appearing in 30 league matches. The following year, 2014–15, he played a pivotal role in securing the title, featuring in 25 matches as the team clinched the championship with 82 points. Melo's tenure at Galatasaray highlighted his leadership in high-stakes fixtures, including group stage encounters. In the 2013–14 campaign, he participated in matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea, where despite aggregate defeats—3–0 loss to Real in the quarter-finals and elimination by Chelsea—his resilience was noted post-match. He scored in a Champions League qualifier against København on 1 September 2015, shortly before his departure. His aggressive pressing and physicality endeared him to fans, who valued his intensity in derbies against rivals like Fenerbahçe and , though it also led to disciplinary issues, including multiple red cards across his appearances. On 1 September 2015, Melo was loaned to until 30 June 2015, with an option to buy. His stint proved brief and underwhelming, marred by injuries and inconsistent form; he made only 10 appearances across all competitions. A notable occurred on 5 December 2015, during a 1–0 win over , resulting from a collision with teammate , requiring hospital observation but no long-term damage. Further setbacks included a red card and conceding a penalty in a 2–1 loss to on 20 December 2015, encapsulating a challenging adaptation to demands. The loan ended without extension, as Inter opted against permanence amid his limited impact.

Return to Brazil: Palmeiras and Fluminense

In January 2017, Felipe Melo returned to Brazilian football by signing a three-year contract with Palmeiras as a from . At age 33, he provided midfield stability during a transitional period for the club, leveraging his European experience to anchor the defensive midfield amid a squad rebuilding under coach Alberto Valentim and later . His physical presence and tactical awareness contributed to Palmeiras' improved defensive record, helping secure the title in 2018 with 23 appearances and key interceptions in high-stakes matches. Melo's tenure peaked in continental competition, starting in the victory over Santos on November 30, 2020, where Palmeiras triumphed 1-0 in a after a goalless draw. He featured prominently in the 2021 edition as well, playing in the November 27 final against Flamengo, which Palmeiras won 2-1 in extra time, marking back-to-back titles and solidifying his role as a leader despite diminishing pace. By then in his late 30s, Melo shifted toward a more positional, experience-driven style, focusing on distribution and set-piece organization rather than aggressive tackling, which allowed younger midfielders like to flourish under his guidance. Melo transferred to Fluminense on a free deal effective January 1, 2022, at age 38, reuniting with former Brazil teammate Thiago Silva in a squad aiming for resurgence under Fernando Diniz. Despite physical decline evident in reduced mobility, he earned regular starts as a central defender or holding midfielder, contributing to the 2022 Campeonato Carioca win over Flamengo and retaining the title in 2023. His leadership proved pivotal in the 2023 Copa Libertadores triumph, culminating in a 2-1 extra-time victory against Boca Juniors on November 4, 2023, where Melo logged 90 minutes in several knockout stages, emphasizing mental resilience over athleticism. In the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Al Ahly on December 18, Melo, aged 40, delivered a critical goal-line tackle on in the first half, underscoring his enduring defensive instincts and helping Fluminense advance despite the team's semifinal loss to Manchester City. Transitioning to a mentorship role, he praised emerging talents like for their ball-winning tenacity while adapting to Diniz's possession-oriented system, which prioritized his reading of the game and vocal organization over high-intensity pressing. This phase highlighted Melo's evolution into a stabilizing force for Fluminense's 2024 success, fostering team cohesion amid his advancing age.

Retirement Announcement

On January 24, 2025, Felipe Melo announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41, following the expiration of his contract with Fluminense in December 2024 without renewal. In a public statement, he reflected on the physical demands of the sport, noting the cumulative toll of a 22-year career marked by high-intensity play and frequent injuries, which had increasingly limited his recovery and performance. Melo also cited emotional fatigue from persistent fan criticism and during his final seasons, stating he could no longer endure the hostility despite his contributions on the field. Melo expressed interest in transitioning to or a club management role, mentioning aspirations to pursue technical directorship at Fluminense and contribute to their preparation for the , though no formal agreement was reached. His announcement emphasized gratitude for the "privilege" of a professional career spanning , , and , but avoided broader legacy reflections, focusing instead on personal closure. Fluminense issued an official tribute, acknowledging Melo's leadership in their victory and his role as a dressing-room veteran, with club president Mario Bittencourt praising his "warrior spirit" despite recent tensions. Teammates, including former colleagues from Palmeiras, shared messages lauding his tenacity and competitive edge, while no ceremonial final match was organized due to the abrupt contract end. The retirement drew mixed reactions, with some Brazilian media highlighting his durability at an advanced age for a central , contrasting with critiques of his disciplinary history.

International Career

Brazil National Team Appearances

Felipe Melo earned 22 caps for the national team between 2009 and 2010, scoring 2 goals. His debut occurred on 10 February 2009 in a friendly against , a 2–0 victory for Brazil, under coach . Dunga frequently selected Melo for his aggressive, tenacious defending in central midfield, pairing him with to anchor the team during qualifiers, where Melo started most matches. This inclusion reflected Dunga's preference for disciplined, combative players over more flair-oriented options, contributing to Brazil's qualification success. Melo's appearances spanned 15 matches in 2009, including friendlies, Confederations Cup games, and qualifiers, followed by 7 in 2010 primarily for pre-World Cup preparations and the tournament itself, ending with a quarter-final exit. Post-2010, he received no further call-ups, attributed to heightened scrutiny over his temperament and disciplinary record, alongside emerging midfield alternatives, despite sustained club performances. No subsequent coaches recalled him to the senior squad.

Key Tournaments and Performances

Felipe Melo featured prominently in Brazil's successful campaign, appearing in all five matches as the team clinched the title. In the group stage, he started against (3-1 win on June 18), the (3-0 win on June 25), and (4-1 win on June 21), contributing to a robust midfield presence that helped top the group with maximum points. His performances earned him a starting role in the semifinal victory over (1-0 on June 25) and the final against the on June 28, where he scored the opener with a header in the 7th minute from a Maicon free-kick, setting the tone for 's 3-2 comeback win despite conceding twice early. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Melo started in Brazil's three group stage fixtures, anchoring the midfield alongside Gilberto Silva in Dunga's defensive setup. He played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over North Korea on June 15, the 3-1 victory against Ivory Coast on June 20, and the 0-0 draw with Portugal on June 25, helping secure first place in Group G with seven points and only two goals conceded. However, in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands on July 2, Melo was substituted in the 63rd minute after contributing to Brazil's goal via an assist, but the match turned amid defensive lapses; Brazil lost 2-1, with Melo's earlier tournament discipline—yellow cards in the Ivory Coast and Portugal games—adding to the pressure on the midfield. The exit drew scrutiny over Brazil's pragmatic style and Melo's role in failing to progress beyond the quarters despite a strong group phase. Melo had no appearances in tournaments for , with his international career limited to the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup as key competitive outings.

Criticisms and Omissions

Despite achieving prominence in European club football with teams like Fiorentina and Juventus, Felipe Melo's international tenure with yielded only 22 caps from 2007 to 2012, marking a relative underachievement marked by limited opportunities post-2010. His disciplinary record in these appearances included 6 yellow cards and 1 red card, averaging a booking approximately every 3.14 games, which highlighted persistent temperament challenges that curtailed deeper integration into the national setup. A defining low point occurred during the quarter-final against the on July 2, 2010, when Melo received a straight red card in the 73rd minute for stamping on Arjen Robben's midsection, reducing to ten players and facilitating a 2-1 comeback loss that ended their campaign. This ejection not only symbolized his proneness to lapses in emotional control but also fueled coach preferences for alternatives in subsequent cycles, as Dunga-era selections gave way to and favoring steadier options amid rebuilding efforts. Post-2010 benchings and omissions stemmed from these incidents, with Melo largely sidelined despite club successes; for instance, he was excluded from the 2014 World Cup squad in favor of midfielders like Ramires, who amassed 57 caps through greater positional reliability and fewer disciplinary disruptions. Selection debates often contrasted Melo's physicality and passing range—evident in his assist for Robinho's opener in the same 2010 match—with Ramires' consistent energy and lower volatility, underscoring how Melo's aggression, while asset-like at club level, proved a liability in Brazil's high-expectation environment requiring unflinching composure.

Playing Style

Technical Attributes and Strengths

Felipe Melo, measuring 1.83 meters in height, leveraged his physical stature to excel in aerial duels, frequently winning headers through powerful timing and positioning, as demonstrated in international matches where he scored via set-piece headers. His defensive midfield capabilities centered on robust tackling and interceptions, with averages of 1.53 tackles and 2.14 interceptions per game in analyzed Brazilian league appearances, reflecting his ability to disrupt opposition build-up by quickly closing down spaces and anticipating passes. Melo read the game adeptly, breaking up play more effectively than many contemporaries in his role through proactive recovery and marking of immediate threats. In transition and possession phases, Melo exhibited tidy ball control and a decent range of passing to initiate attacks, often delivering weighted balls from deep positions during counter-attacks. He contributed reliably on set pieces, both in delivery and aerial contests, enhancing his teams' scoring threats from dead balls. Throughout his prime years, particularly in from 2005 to 2015, his athleticism and stamina enabled box-to-box energy, allowing sustained coverage of ground with bursts of power to support both defensive recoveries and forward surges.

Temperament and Weaknesses

Felipe Melo's temperament has been a defining weakness, characterized by frequent lapses in emotional control that manifested in an extensive disciplinary record. Across his career, he amassed 22 red cards since 2000, underscoring a propensity for aggressive play that often escalated beyond tactical necessity. Analytical platforms rate his as "very weak," with fouls committed at rates around 1.2 per 90 minutes in recent seasons, contributing to avoidable concessions and numerical disadvantages for his teams. Multiple seasons highlighted this volatility, such as 2014–15 at Galatasaray, where he received 18 yellow cards, exceeding 10 bookings and triggering suspensions that disrupted midfield stability. In his 2024 Série A appearances for Fluminense, Melo collected 5 yellows and 2 reds in just 10 matches, a pace that amplified team vulnerabilities during high-stakes fixtures. These patterns of over-aggression frequently resulted in ejections or bans, as seen in a late-career red card that imposed a five-game suspension, curtailing his availability at critical junctures. Melo acknowledged this trait, describing himself as a "nasty player" whose was a core strength but inevitably yielded yellow cards without crossing into outright malice. However, the cumulative impact—evidenced by recurrent suspensions listed across competitions—compromised his consistency, often shifting momentum against his sides in defensive transitions and set-piece defenses.

Comparisons to Contemporaries

Felipe Melo's aggressive, no-nonsense midfield style invited comparisons to , the Italian enforcer celebrated for his relentless tackling and combative leadership during his peak at and with Italy's national team. Both players operated as defensive pivots who intimidated opponents through physical duels and high work rate, often sacrificing technical finesse for territorial control and protection of backlines; notable clashes, such as their 2009 friendly confrontation between Juventus and , exemplified this shared ferocity, with each embodying the "destroyer" archetype prevalent in early 2000s European football. Parallels have also been drawn to Pepe, the Portuguese centre-back notorious for his provocative defending, particularly in terms of unyielding brutality during aerial and ground skirmishes, where Melo demonstrated comparable intensity in ball-irrelevant exchanges. This hardman niche positioned Melo as a specialist in instilling fear and disrupting rhythm, akin to these peers, though his midfield role demanded additional ball-winning transitions absent in 's primarily defensive remit. In debates contrasting him with modern midfielders like or , Melo represented an earlier paradigm favoring raw physicality and aggression over the positional discipline, precise passing, and high-volume involvement that define contemporary holding roles. While and excelled in possession-dominant systems through interception timing and distribution—evidenced by their roles in Barcelona's and Real Madrid's sustained dominance—Melo's strengths aligned better with direct, transitional setups, exposing limitations in error rates and adaptability during his Serie A tenures at Juventus (78 appearances, frequent pairing with yielding inconsistent midfield balance) and . Empirical data underscores context-dependent effectiveness: at Galatasaray, where Melo featured in 154 matches across four seasons (2011–2015), the club clinched three titles (2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15), leveraging his physical edge in a league emphasizing endurance over intricate build-up. Similarly, at Palmeiras (217 appearances from 2017–2021), his integration correlated with four major domestic trophies, including two Brasileirão Série A wins, highlighting superior outcomes in physically oriented Brazilian competitions compared to his 46% win rate in 116 games across Juventus and Inter, where technical demands amplified disciplinary lapses (over 20 red cards career-wide).

Controversies and Disciplinary Record

Major On-Field Incidents

One of the most notorious incidents in Felipe Melo's career occurred during the quarter-final between and the on July 2, 2010, at in Port Elizabeth. In the 73rd minute, with the score at 2-1 to the , Melo received a straight red card for recklessly stamping on Arjen Robben's thigh during an aerial challenge, an action deemed serious foul play by referee Yuichi Nishimura. Moments after his dismissal, Melo reacted violently by headbutting Dutch forward , exacerbating the controversy and contributing to 's inability to recover, as they played the final 17 minutes with ten men and exited the tournament. The incident underscored Melo's disciplinary issues under international pressure, with the Brazilian team later citing it as a turning point in the 2-1 defeat. In Serie A, Melo faced multiple ejections for violent conduct. On December 20, 2015, during Inter Milan's 2-1 home loss to Lazio, he was sent off in the 90th minute for delivering a high kick—described by officials as a "kung fu kick"—to the head of Lazio's Lucas Biglia, following a penalty conceded earlier in the sequence. Lega Serie A subsequently banned him for three matches, classifying the action as deliberate violent conduct, which disrupted Inter's defensive stability in subsequent fixtures amid their title challenge. Similar reckless challenges, including high tackles, marked other appearances, reinforcing his reputation for on-field aggression that often shifted match momentum against his teams. Late in his career, on June 16, 2024, Melo was ejected with a straight red card in Fluminense's Brazilian defeat to Atletico Goianiense, after violently pushing an opposition staff member in the closing stages, an act labeled "despicable" by observers. The Brazilian Football Confederation imposed a five-match suspension, sidelining him for the remainder of the league season and marking a turbulent end to his playing days. These incidents highlight a pattern of impulsive actions resulting in ejections and bans, directly impacting team outcomes in high-stakes matches.

Off-Field Disputes and Feuds

In May 2025, Felipe Melo publicly clashed with former Juventus teammate over remarks in Chiellini's , where the Italian defender described Melo as "the worst of the worst" during their shared tenure at the club from 2009 to 2011. Melo retaliated by calling Chiellini a "bitter coward" and questioning his credibility, asserting that Chiellini had never confronted him directly about past issues. This exchange reignited a long-standing animosity originating from on-field tensions but centered on Chiellini's written characterizations rather than match events. In April 2025, while commenting on Brazilian television, Melo revealed details about gambling activities among Juventus players during his time there, specifically claiming that frequently placed bets on lower-tier Brazilian competitions like Serie C matches. Melo stated he advised Buffon on outcomes due to his familiarity with Brazilian football, describing it as a common practice among some teammates who sought tips on obscure leagues. These disclosures drew attention amid ongoing scrutiny of betting in Italian football, though Melo framed them as anecdotal recollections without alleging illegality. Melo faced a formal in for allegedly intimidating a minor who was a Botafogo fan, after the child verbally identified his support for the rival club to Fluminense's Melo. The boy's mother filed the complaint, citing the interaction as threatening toward her underage son, though specific details on the date and context remain tied to post-match or training proximity without evidence of physical contact. This incident highlighted Melo's occasionally combative interactions with supporters outside of gameplay. Felipe Melo has incurred numerous disciplinary suspensions across major leagues, reflecting formal repercussions for repeated infractions. In , issued a three-match ban on December 22, 2015, for violent conduct after he kicked captain in the head during a match. In Brazilian football, the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) handed down a five-match suspension on November 26, 2024, accompanied by a R$6,000 fine, for offensive behavior toward match officials while playing for Fluminense. Earlier, while at Palmeiras, he received another five-game ban for an obscene gesture directed at Santos fans. Melo's extensive disciplinary history includes 26 red cards over his career, positioning him among the most frequently ejected players in football records. Transfermarkt documents recurrent suspensions for red and yellow cards in competitions such as Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Libertadores, spanning multiple seasons from 2010 onward. These penalties culminated in his retirement, as a red card received as a substitute in his final season led to a ban covering the last five league matches. Media coverage has frequently portrayed Melo as "notorious" for his aggressive on-field demeanor, emphasizing the cumulative impact of his bans on team absences. Some outlets have labeled him among the "most penalized" players of the due to patterns of reckless play. While fan bases at clubs like Palmeiras and Fluminense have defended his contributions amid such absences, pointing to team resilience in achieving results, broader public discourse has highlighted the disruptions caused by his record.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Felipe Melo has been married to since 2010, with whom he has four children: a daughter named Pietra and three sons, including Davi and Linyker. He named his son Linyker after the English footballer , as revealed during the . Melo's sons Davi and Linyker have followed in his footsteps by pursuing football careers, with Davi playing for Fluminense's U20 and Linyker featuring for Americano FC in . The family has accompanied Melo on several international transfers, including moves to and , though specific details on residence changes remain private.

Public Persona and Views

Felipe Melo has cultivated a public image as a no-nonsense, combative figure in Brazilian football, often expressing with what he perceives as excessive leniency in modern rules and player attitudes. In interviews, he has defended physicality as inherent to the 's competitive nature, stating that "football is a serious, tough " and emphasizing the need for mental resilience amid its demands. This stance aligns with his self-presentation as an unyielding competitor, contrasting with peers who adopt more restrained public profiles, though critics have highlighted his comments as symptomatic of outdated aggression in an era prioritizing fair play. Melo's outspokenness extends to critiques of contemporary football dynamics, including refereeing and team conduct. He has publicly lambasted national team's players for displaying "bad attitude" despite their talent, arguing in 2025 that such issues undermine their potential. Similarly, he has dismissed former coaches like as lacking football acumen, claiming in a 2025 interview that de Boer "never understood anything about football." External observers, including media outlets, have portrayed these remarks as reflective of Melo's volatile temperament, which has fueled a polarizing media presence rather than broad admiration. Politically, Melo has been vocal in supporting Jair Bolsonaro during Brazil's 2018 presidential election, openly campaigning for the candidate and dedicating a goal to him as "our future president" while playing for Palmeiras. This endorsement drew significant backlash from fans and the club, which clarified that it represented his personal opinion, not institutional views, amid broader divisions in Brazilian football. Melo reiterated alignment with Bolsonaro in subsequent cycles, including 2022, positioning himself against prevailing leftist sentiments in sports circles, though such stances have amplified perceptions of him as a divisive outsider in public discourse.

Career Statistics and Records

Club Appearances and Goals

Felipe Melo's club career spans multiple leagues and clubs, with aggregated statistics exceeding 700 appearances and 60 goals across all competitions.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Palmeiras217137
Galatasaray1541812
Fluminense10830
League-specific totals for major domestic competitions highlight his contributions in defensive midfield roles:
LeagueAppearancesGoalsAssists
231166
Italian Serie A11872
Turkish Süper Lig1081311

International Caps and Goals

Felipe Melo represented the national team from 2007 to 2010, earning 22 caps and scoring 2 goals across friendlies, the , , and qualifiers and finals. His appearances were concentrated under coaches and , with the majority occurring in 2009 during a successful period that included the victory. The following table summarizes his international appearances and goals by year:
YearAppearancesGoals
200750
200820
2009102
201050
Total222
Both goals were scored in 2009: one in a 2–0 friendly win over Venezuela on 6 June, and the other in a competitive fixture during the FIFA Confederations Cup. No official assist records are prominently documented for Melo internationally, reflecting his primary role as a defensive midfielder focused on interceptions and tackles rather than creative output. In his caps, Brazil secured victories in 14 matches, draws in 4, and losses in 4, with Melo's contributions often in midfield pairings that supported clean sheets in several tournament games, such as group stage wins at the 2009 Confederations Cup. By tournament, his caps break down as follows:
TournamentAppearancesGoals
Friendlies81
30
51
40
World Cup Qualifiers20
Total222

Honours and Legacy

Major Trophies Won

Felipe Melo contributed to Brazil's victory in the , where the team defeated the 3–2 in the final on June 28, 2009, at in ; Melo started in the match and scored the opening goal via a header in the seventh minute. At club level, Melo won three consecutive Turkish titles with Galatasaray: the 2011–12 season (finished with 77 points, 13 ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe), 2012–13 (82 points, nine ahead of Fenerbahçe), and 2014–15 (79 points, four ahead of ); he featured regularly as a central , accumulating over 100 appearances across these campaigns. With Palmeiras, Melo secured the 2020 Copa Libertadores, defeating Santos 1–0 in the final on January 30, 2021, at the (delayed due to ); he adapted to a defensive role alongside , playing in 10 matches including the final. The same club won the 2020 Copa do Brasil (2–0 aggregate over Corinthians in the final) and the 2018 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (finishing with 71 points, four ahead of Flamengo), where Melo was a key squad member in midfield. Melo also lifted the with Fluminense, who beat 2–1 in the final on November 4, 2023, at the Maracanã; at age 40, he appeared in six group-stage matches as a veteran leader. Earlier, with Cruzeiro in 2003, he won the (joint winners with on 72 points, decided by head-to-head) and (3–1 aggregate over Flamengo in the final).

Individual Accolades and Criticisms

Felipe Melo garnered recognition primarily from club supporters rather than formal awards bodies, with Galatasaray fans regarding him as a legendary figure for his combative style and commitment during his 2011–2015 tenure, where he captained the side and featured in 154 matches. Similarly, at Palmeiras from 2017 to 2021, he aspired to and achieved icon status among the fanbase, serving as captain and contributing to defensive solidity in title-winning campaigns. However, such fan acclaim contrasted with a paucity of official individual honors, attributable in part to his playing style's heavy emphasis on physical intervention over creative output; statistics reveal just 8 assists across 498 club appearances, underscoring limited involvement in build-up play despite 24 goals scored, many from set pieces. Defensive metrics highlighted strengths in tackles and interceptions, yet this approach yielded no league player-of-the-year selections or inclusions in elite teams of the season. Criticisms centered on his disciplinary lapses, amassing 23 red cards over his career—one of the highest totals in modern football, trailing only Sergio Ramos's 29—and earning rankings among the sport's "dirtiest" players due to recurrent aggression. Notable incidents included a red card for a "despicable" on-pitch attack while with Fluminense, and earlier ejections like the 2015 stamp on during an Inter Milan match. In Italy, he received the in 2009, an award for Serie A's most disappointing import, reflecting early struggles post-Fiorentina transfer to Juventus amid inconsistent performances and behavioral issues.

Post-Retirement Plans

Felipe Melo announced his intention to transition into following his from professional football on January 24, 2025. He revealed that he has already assembled a with whom he holds regular meetings, and possesses the PRO license from the (AFA), with plans to begin the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) licensing process the subsequent month. Melo has also received a formal proposal from Fluminense, his most recent club, to assume a position within the youth academy (categorias de base), indicating an immediate opportunity to remain involved in football development at the club level.

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  76. https://refrsports.com/blog/soccers-most-penalized-players-with-notable-card-counts-in-21st-century
  77. https://www.besoccer.com/player/injuries-suspensions/felipe-melo-21156
  78. https://taddlr.com/celebrity/felipe-melo/
  79. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8739765.stm
  80. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/felipe-melo.html
  81. https://www.flashscore.com/news/exclusive-felipe-melo-on-juve-success-with-galatasaray-and-playing-alongside-his-son/M3J0XCWq/
  82. https://www.thescore.com/seri/news/1290865
  83. https://www.facebook.com/100063639967770/posts/felipe-melo-loses-it-on-the-sele%25C3%25A7%25C3%25A3o-these-players-are-way-too-good-to-have-such-/1195791849218803/
  84. https://www.fanatik.com.tr/en/felipe-melo-slams-his-former-coach-he-never-understood-anything-about-football-2594087
  85. https://www.soccereco.com/soccer-news/frank-de-boer-has-absolutely-no-understanding-of-football
  86. https://apnews.com/brazil-backlash-as-footballers-back-far-right-poll-candidate-be898a0992914738b2f90bc1e862a88a
  87. https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2018/10/09/brazilian-football-split-politics-big-name-players-lean-right-clubs-fans-go-left/
  88. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-top-footballers-lean-toward-bolsonaro-polarized-race-2022-10-23/
  89. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/after-years-of-silence-brazils-footballers-get-political-again-idUSKCN1M1056/
  90. https://www.transfermarkt.us/felipe-melo/alletore/spieler/35537
  91. https://www.transfermarkt.us/felipe-melo/nationalmannschaft/spieler/35537
  92. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/29935/Felipe_Melo.html
  93. https://www.flashscore.com/player/felipe-melo/niXg5uRn/
  94. https://www.palmeiras.com.br/libertadores-2020/
  95. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/felipe-melo/5317/titles
  96. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayjeyavv778
  97. https://sempreinter.com/2018/11/27/felipe-melo-i-earn-a-lot-less-since-i-left-inter-but-i-wanted-to-become-a-palmeiras-icon/
  98. https://www.sportsboom.com/football/most-red-cards-in-football/
  99. https://www.givemesport.com/10-dirtiest-footballers-since-2000-ranked/
  100. https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/fluminense/noticia/2025/01/29/ex-fluminense-felipe-melo-revela-planos-apos-aposentadoria-vou-ser-treinador.ghtml
  101. https://www.365scores.com/pt-br/news/magazine/felipe-melo-comenta-sobre-futuro-apos-aposentadoria-vou-ser-treinador-de-futebol/
  102. https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/artigo/_/id/14707708/sonho-ser-tecnico-dirigente-fluminense-presenca-mundial-de-clubes-planos-felipe-melo-pos-aposentadoria
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