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Brazilian football icon Marta, 39, intended to retire from international play after the 2024 Olympics, but her remarkable journey isn’t over yet. After initially announcing her retirement last year, the forward opted to participate in the 2025 Conmebol Copa América Femenina, where she made a significant impact.
She entered the match in the 82nd minute and scored a goal during stoppage time, bringing the game to a 3-3 draw before netting another goal in extra time. Brazil ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout, achieving a 5-4 victory.
Known as “The Queen,” Marta has netted 122 goals in 206 matches for Brazil, participating in six World Cups and six Olympics. What legacy has she forged in women’s football? We spoke with individuals committed to documenting her storied career.
Information from ESPN Brasil was initially published and updated on July 24, 2024.
Early Life
1. Long before she emerged as the world’s top female soccer player, Marta was a seven-year-old girl playing on a dirt field in Brazil. The makeshift goal was constructed with sticks.
Growing up in poverty, she played barefoot and later stuffed newspapers inside her shoes for a better fit. Her hardworking single mother supported her and her three siblings. Despite the challenges, Marta dazzled on the field, making it seem as though the ball was tethered to her feet.
"She was born to play soccer," her childhood coach, Tota, shared with ESPN.
Despite the doubts of many—"She can’t play; she’s a girl"—Marta’s mother always believed in her daughter’s passion. Tota similarly defended her, even when another coach refused to let Marta compete in a boys’ tournament due to her gender. Ultimately, the organizers decided to remove her for her protection.
2. As detailed in a piece she wrote for a 2017 player tribute, one pivotal moment in Marta’s life involved a bus trip. She hesitated but finally took the journey from Dois Riacos to Rio de Janeiro to attend a trial for Vasco da Gama, one of Brazil’s premier clubs.
At the trial, the women’s soccer coordinator, Helena Pacheco, noticed Marta’s unwavering gaze on the ball, although Marta had no gear. The moment she began to play, her skills shone through, culminating in powerful shots that left the goalkeeper struggling.
3.1. Marta quickly secured a spot with Vasco, moving into the club’s youth accommodation by 2002. At just 16, she represented Brazil in the Under-20 World Cup in Canada, where she met another soccer legend, Formiga.
Marta’s infectious energy was evident during training sessions, always encouraging others to push their limits. Although her time at Vasco was cut short when the club dissolved in 2002, she faced adversity with resilience.
4.1. Marta made her Women’s World Cup debut in the U.S. in 2003 at just 17. Initially unheard of, she made headlines after scoring two goals in her first two matches, garnering comparisons to the legendary Pelé, though she resisted such labels, emphasizing that female athletes should not be equated to males.
4.2. Her team nickname became "Zefa," inspired by a Brazilian marathon runner. Formiga recalls how Marta, despite being a rising star, was still often shy backstage.
Leaving Brazil
5.1. Following her impressive World Cup performance, Swedish scouts took note. Roland Arkvist, the sports director of UMEA, was astonished by her skills and envisioned her playing for the club.
Contacting her proved challenging since Marta had neither a mobile phone nor email at the time, requiring two months to connect.
When he finally reached her, she dismissed his offer as a prank, as no Brazilian woman had played internationally yet. Despite Pacheco’s initial concerns about safety, the Brazilian Football Union confirmed the legitimacy of the offer.
5.2. Arriving in Sweden in 2004, Marta stepped off the plane in flip-flops, bewildered by the snowy landscape. Arkvist and her newly assigned host family helped her acclimate, and soon after, her debut press conference was held.
Marta reflected that moving to Sweden was a transformative decision for her career.
6. During her stay with the Barbosa family in Sweden, Marta quickly became part of the household. They supported her training while also ensuring she felt at home amid the cultural transition.
7.1. Within a year, Marta transitioned to a global icon, netting an impressive 22 goals in her first season and winning the 2004 UEFA Women’s Cup. Her interactions with Pacheco during their email exchanges revealed her aspirations of winning the FIFA World Player of the Year.
7.2. At just 18, Marta attended the 2004 FIFA awards in Zurich, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the event and the presence of global sports legends like Ronaldinho.
Olympic Journey and Legacy
8. Marta’s inaugural Olympics in Athens 2004 brought Brazil to the finals. Despite ultimately losing to the U.S. team, their performance left a lasting impression on the world stage.
9.1. The move to Sweden provided much-needed structure to women’s soccer, leading to respect back home in Brazil. After winning the World Player of the Year award, she received a hero’s welcome upon her return to Dois Riacos.
9.2. Today, signs greet visitors to her hometown, declaring it the "Home of Player Marta."
10. One of the defining moments of her career occurred during the 2007 Pan American Games, where Brazilian hopes rested on her shoulders as the team played in front of over 70,000 fans.
Marta’s stellar performance, scoring penalties and leading the team to a remarkable 5-0 victory, solidified her place among Brazilian legends.
11.1. Despite this, the 2007 Women’s World Cup semi-final against the U.S. was a turning point when Brazil dominated with a resounding performance.
11.2. However, the final proved bittersweet, with Marta failing to convert a vital penalty, leading to another heartbreaking loss in her career.
12.1. After another near miss in the 2008 Olympics final against the U.S., Marta found herself reflecting on her difficulties in securing major victories.
12.3. The perception of Brazil as a football powerhouse clashed with the lack of investment in women’s sports, which persisted over the years.
Continuing Influence
13.1. In 2008, Marta made headlines once again by participating in a charity match, becoming the first woman to play in a FIFA-sanctioned men’s game.
13.2. By 2011, she took on a role as a cultural ambassador, igniting aspirations among young athletes in impoverished communities.
14. Unfortunately, Marta’s club career became nomadic, moving through several struggling teams until she found stability again with Tyresö in 2012.
15. Competing in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, Brazil faced early exits while Marta remained a beacon of hope for women’s soccer.
16. By the 2016 Olympics, at 29, Marta had become a seasoned player but still felt the weight of expectations. Brazil again fell short, leading to tears and reflection.
17. Marta’s emotional speech after Brazil’s exit from the 2019 World Cup signaled her commitment to the future of women’s football and the importance of nurturing the next generation.
The Conclusion of an Era
18.1. As the 2023 Women’s World Cup approached, it was confirmed that this would be her sixth and last appearance, leaving fans wondering about her future role on the team.
18.2. Injuries affected her performance, ultimately leading to Brazil’s elimination, marking the end of her World Cup journey.
19.1. Following her announcement of retirement after the Olympics, Marta became a focal point for media attention and continued to inspire youth athletes.
19.4. With her leadership, Brazil won the Copa América Femenina, further solidifying her legacy in the sport.
Fan Take: Marta’s continued participation in major tournaments not only highlights her personal resilience but also signifies a growing recognition of women’s soccer worldwide. Her impact as a leader and icon will inspire future generations, reaffirming the importance of investing in women’s sports.
