"Brother!"

Which Real legend is Alaba high-fiving here?

David Alaba (left) welcomes Marcelo to the Real cosmos.(Bild: Instagram.com/marcelotwelve)

"Brother", writes David Alaba under the corresponding post. It does indeed appear to be a very harmonious greeting between the two at the Real Madrid ground. But do you recognize the legend who is high-fiving the ÖFB legionnaire here?

That's right, it's Marcelo, the legendary Brazilian left-back with the wispy hairstyle. The 36-year-old spent 15 years, from 2007 to 2022, playing up and down the wing for the Whites. His haul: five Champions League victories, four times Club World Champion, six times Spanish champion, twice Spanish Cup winner. Not surprisingly, everyone from the president downwards turned up when the Brasilo boy paid a visit to his former employer. Mbappe, Bellingham, ViniJR and Alaba - they all greeted their "brother". And he was clearly delighted.

Alaba comeback on Sunday?
Perhaps Marcelo also gave his colleague Alaba the necessary amount of energy he needs to finally make his comeback. The next opportunity to do so is on Sunday. Real will host Las Palmas at home. Alaba was not in the squad for the cup quarter-final against Celta Vigo during the week.