Marta

Marta – Life, Football & Legacy

Marta (born February 19, 1986) is a Brazilian football legend and one of the greatest women’s players ever. Learn about her career, records, influence, and journey from a small town to global icon.

Introduction

Marta Vieira da Silva—known simply as Marta—is a Brazilian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest female players in the history of the sport.

Her career is not just about goals and trophies: it is a story of resilience, challenging norms, inspiring generations, and pushing women’s football forward in Brazil and worldwide.

Early Life and Family

Marta was born on 19 February 1986 in Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil.

Her football talent emerged early. By age 14, she was already playing for Vasco da Gama’s women’s team.

Marta’s upbringing was marked by challenges: limited opportunities for girls’ football in her region, scarce resources, and social expectations. But her love for the game, determination, and support from those around her propelled her.

Football Career & Achievements

Club Career

Over her club career, Marta has played for teams in Brazil, the United States, and Sweden.

Some key stages:

• Umeå IK (Sweden): Marta gained international attention here, helping them win titles and compete in the UEFA Women’s Cup.

• Los Angeles Sol, Gold Pride, Western New York Flash (USA): Marta joined the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league in the U.S. and became a standout star.

• Tyresö FF, FC Rosengård (Sweden): Later in her career, she returned to Sweden and continued to score and lead.

• Orlando Pride (USA, NWSL): Marta has played for Orlando Pride since 2017 and continues to contribute both as a player and a leader.

Her presence has elevated clubs not just by her scoring, but by her professionalism, visibility, and mentorship.

International (Brazil)

Marta’s contributions to the Brazil women’s national team are legendary:

• Debut & longevity: She has represented Brazil since the early 2000s, earning over 200 caps.

• Top scorer: Marta holds the record as Brazil’s all-time top scorer (across men’s and women’s teams) with over 120 goals.

• World Cup goals record: She is the all-time leading scorer at FIFA Women’s World Cups (17 goals).

• Olympics: She has helped Brazil win silver medals in 2004, 2008, and 2024.

• Awards: Marta was named FIFA World Player of the Year six times (2006–2010 and 2018) — a record.

In 2024, she announced she would retire from international football at the end of that year.

Style of Play & Strengths

Marta is admired for:

• Technical skill and ball control: her dribbling, first touch, and ability to maneuver in tight spaces are exceptional.

• Scoring instinct: She is both a creator and prolific finisher, capable of scoring from open play, penalties, and set-pieces.

• Versatility: Marta can play in various forward roles — as a winger, striker, or attacking midfielder.

• Leadership and inspiration: Even when not at her physical peak, she influences games through vision, positioning, and motivating teammates.

Her combination of artistry and determination has earned her nicknames like “Rainha” (“Queen”) in Brazil.

Legacy & Influence

Marta's impact goes beyond her individual records:

1. Trailblazer for women’s football: She has helped bring visibility, respect, and investment to women’s soccer in Brazil and globally.

2. Role model and inspiration: For young girls (especially in Brazil and Latin America), Marta is proof that women can compete at the highest levels of sport.

3. Social influence: She has advocated for equality and often spoken publicly about challenges women face in sports.

4. Longevity: Her career has spanned more than two decades at top levels — a rare feat in elite sport.

5. Records that stand: Many of her records — in goals, appearances, awards — set benchmarks that future players will aim to surpass.

Challenges & Personal Notes

Marta has navigated challenges common to women’s sport: limited resources, lower pay, less media coverage, social barriers, and pressure to prove worth constantly. But her consistency, performance, and advocacy have helped shift perceptions and open doors for others.

In her personal life, she has balanced global travel, language learning, and adaptation to different cultures and playing styles. (She holds multiple citizenships and has adapted to playing in Sweden, the U.S., and Brazil.)

Conclusion

Marta’s life is a striking example of talent meeting tenacity. From a small Brazilian town, she rose to be among the most celebrated athletes in the world. Her legacy lies not only in goals and awards, but in the path she has helped clear for future generations of female footballers.