MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: An upset MARTA of Brazil thanks the fans after Brazil goes out of … [+]
Marta’s World Cup career comes to an end following Brazil’s surprising early exit from the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The outcome was far from Seleção’s hopes, as their plan to bring the World Cup trophy back to Brazil and fulfill Marta’s long-awaited dream of lifting this prestigious trophy did not materialize.
They faced a resilient Jamaica team that denied any fairytale ending to Marta’s World Cup career. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, which was sufficient to secure the Reggae Girlz’s historic first qualification for the Round of 16.
Brazil’s elimination at this stage marks their earliest exit since the 1995 edition. A heartbreak for Marta who, prior to Brazil’s opener, announced that this would be her last dance at the World Cup.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: Brazil team before playing Jamaica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup … [+]
Known as one of the most skilled female footballers ever, Marta’s individual trophy cabinet is full: from winning the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Player of the Year award a record six-time (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2018), to becoming the first football player to score at least a goal in five consecutive Olympics, and holding the record for most goals scored at a World Cup (men’s and women’s competitions) with 17 goals.
Yet, Marta can add another skill to her unique skillset. This time, an off-the-field talent. She’s football’s greatest motivational speaker. Just like she’s inspired millions with her goals and dribbles, she’s also been using her voice to advocate for the women’s football, proving herself as the ideal advocate of the game.
Over the years, press conferences were Marta’s weapon to advocate for better conditions, champion gender equality, celebrate the recent developments of the women’s game, and deliver passionate motivational messages to the younger generations.
Her speech following Brazil’s heartbreaking elimination of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup against France is living proof. “Women’s football depends on you to survive,” she said, in Portuguese.
“It’s training more. It’s taking care of yourself more. It’s being ready to play ninety plus thirty minutes. This is what I ask of you, girls. There’s not going to be a Formiga forever. There’s not going to be a Marta forever. There’s not going to be a Cristiane.”
A speech that went viral and is still a reference today.
Four years later, in the pre-match press conference of what ended up being her last FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, Marta was overwhelmed with emotions as she reflected on her long and successful career. “You know what’s good? When I started there were no idols in women’s football,” she told the reports with tears in her eyes.
She continued and directed her questions towards the reporters, highlighting the significance of their role in the advancement of women’s football. “How could there be [any female idols] if you guys didn’t show women’s football? How could I understand that I would reach the national team and become a reference point? Now I go out on the street and people stop me, parents say to me, ‘My daughter adores you, she wants to be just like you.'”
Brazil’s Marta attends a press conference in Melbourne on August 1, 2023, on the eve of the Women’s … [+]
Marta’s career was full of successful moments.
On a career level, her most remarkable period was with the Swedish team, Umeå. She helped them win the 2004 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA
EFA
But it was with Seleção that Marta gained in popularity and established herself as one of football’s legends.
In the 2007 World Cup, she led Brazil to a second-place finish and won both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot awards by scoring seven goals.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 30: Marta of Brazil won the adidas golden ball during the Women’s World … [+]
One of these seven goals is considered by many as the best goal in the history of the Women’s World Cup. It was against USWNT in the semi-final. Marta was 21 years old. She magically dribbled past two defenders before knocking the ball in the back of the net. Brazil went on to humiliate the Americans by 4-0.
But Marta’s career was also filled with obstacles ranging from childhood poverty to sexism and lack of investment in women’s football. “20 years ago, in 2003, nobody knew Marta. Today we have our own references. This wouldn’t have happened if we had stopped in the first obstacles that we faced. And it didn’t start just with me, but with a lot of the women back then.” Marta continued.
After the final whistle of Brazil’s match with Jamaica, Marta was conscious that this is her last World Cup appearance, and she made sure to produce yet another inspiring speech. “I’m done here, but they’re still here. I want people in Brazil to continue to have the same enthusiasm they had when the World Cup started. To continue to support. Because things don’t happen overnight,” she said.
“Keep supporting,” she added, tearing up. “Because for them, it’s just the beginning. For me, it’s the end of the line now.”
Marta’s World Cup career has reached its final destination but the story doesn’t end here for her. She will be back to Orlando to resume the NWSL season with her club, the Orlando Pride. Possibly, a final opportunity for football fans to enjoy her magical touch.
ORLANDO, FL – MAY 16: Marta #10 of the Orlando Pride kneel during the national anthem before a game … [+]
Marta’s Career Highlights
The All-time goalscorer of both the men’s and women’s World Cup with 17 goals.
A total of 6 FIFA Women’s World Cup participations.
First player to score in 5 World Cup editions.
The 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner.
Simply, Marta.