João Marcelo was set to move to Internacional as part of a negotiation that would have brought Vitão to Cruzeiro. However, Cruzeiro's coach, Tite, has since talked with the 25-year-old Brazilian centre-back and expressed that he is relying on the player for the beginning of the season. João Marcelo joined Cruzeiro in July 2024, and his contract is valid until the end of 2028. He has made one appearance in the Campeonato Mineiro in the 2025/2026 season. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €4.50m.