Why there will never be another like Marta
The Brazil legend will call time on her international career at the end of 2024, after 22 years of representing the 'Seleção' on the world stage.
Football
There will never be another player in the world like Marta.
Dubbed the ‘Queen of Football’, she has etched a legacy that will carry on in those that follow in the path she has forged.
Born in Dois Riachos, in the western state of Alagoas, the Olympic silver medallist fought her way to the very top and had been a mainstay of her national team since 2002.
Her debut for the Seleção 22 years ago is indicative of her longevity at the top, and one of many reasons she will be sorely missed on the international stage.
Ahead of Marta hanging up her Brazil shirt at the end of the year, Olympics.com takes a look at just a few of the reasons Marta will forever be a cornerstone of football.
An impassioned plea
One of the most memorable off-field moments of Marta’s career came at the 2019 Women’s World Cup - her penultimate appearance at this tournament.
Addressing the cameras moments after the South Americans were knocked out by hosts France in a 2-1 quarter-final defeat, she delivered an impassioned plea.
It was a message that resonated through the footballing world, with the virality of the clip testament to its impact.
“Women’s football depends on you to survive,” Marta began, looking directly down the camera.
“There’s not going to be a Formiga forever, there’s not going to be a Marta forever, there’s not going be a Cristiane forever.
“We’re asking for support; you have to cry at the beginning so you can smile at the end.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Marta Vieira da Silva reacts with the trophy during a Special Presentation during the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 at The Apollo Theatre on January 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/FIFA via Getty Images)
Immortalised by FIFA
In early 2024, the now 38-year-old was honoured by FIFA with a special award.
Recognised for her contribution to the game, the sporting organisation also announced that she would be immortalised with her very own namesake prize.
From 2025, each year the player who is deemed to have scored the best goal in women’s football will be presented with the ‘Marta Award’.
It is effectively the same as the Puskás award, given to the scorer of the best goal in the men’s game and named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás.
Perhaps a fitting ode to the player whose scoring record in the World Cup speaks for itself.
Across six tournaments and 23 games, Marta has scored 17 goals, the most of any participant - men or women.
Not even Lionel Messi (13) or Kylian Mbappe (12) could come close to the record.
But, of course, the Brazilian remains humble in her accolade.
“It makes me extremely happy to have the record - but it represents Brazil as a nation, not Marta but all of this,” she said.
“I’m very happy about how women’s football has evolved in Brazil and in the world.
“There are girls bursting with talent who have a massive future in front of them. It’s just the start for them, while for me it’s the end of the line.”
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Marta (R) of Brazil is brought in for Ary Borges (L) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Brazil and Panama at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 24, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Marta & the next generation
There are current Brazil players who not only grew up idolising Marta but who then went on to get a chance to play alongside her.
Her time with the national team can be perfectly encapsulated in the way she inspired those who have, and will continue to, follow in her footsteps.
24-year-old Ary Borges is one of those next-generation ballers.
“Playing alongside Marta was a dream come true for me,” she told FIFA.
“After getting to know her as a human being, you only admire Marta even more.
“You can understand why people refer to her as the Queen of Football – she leads by example on and off the pitch.”
She may not longer be on the pitch for Brazil come the end of the year, but there is no doubt the rising stars of the national team will continue to look to her.