10 Things You Didn’t Know About Marta

November 25, 2024
By Carina Chin

Every soccer fan is aware of Marta’s legacy. Yet, there are a few things fans may not know about Marta. Her power and uniqueness as a player translate to her persona off the field. Here are ten things about Marta that aren’t widely known.

1. Vieira da Silva

Like many Brazilian soccer players, Marta goes by and is widely recognized by only her first name. Her last name is Vieira da Silva. Yet, being referred to and recognized by only her first name suits her legendary status. Think of the many one-name icons throughout various industries: Beyonce, Pele, Rihanna, Ronaldo, Picasso, Ronaldinho, and the list can go on. Marta is definitely on that list.

2. Power Stay Lipstick

“I always wear lipstick. Not that colour, but today I said ‘I’m going to dare’. I tried it and I think it was good. The colour is of blood, because we had to leave blood on the pitch. Now I’m going to use it in every game” Marta on her choice of lipstick yesterday. #ITABRA #BRA pic.twitter.com/lsn2BZT8DF

— Asif Burhan (@AsifBurhan) June 19, 2019

Marta is no stranger to being bold. Her powerful use of red lipstick during the 2019 Women’s World Cup caught the attention of many. As a result, Avon collaborated with Marta and released the Power Stay lipstick line.

3. Pisces

Marta was born on February 19, 1986, making her a part of the Pisces horoscope. Pisces are known for being highly in tune with their emotions. Marta displays flair in her style of play and isn’t scared to show strong emotion on the pitch as well.

4. Early Challenges

Living in Brazil, Marta endured the harsh reality of living in poverty. Marta would play barefoot and had to use natural resources to construct a makeshift goalpost and crossbar.

5. Tereza da Silva

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A post shared by National Women’s Soccer League (@nwsl)

Marta’s mom, Tereza da Silva, raised her and her three other children. Tereza was a single mother, and although she lived in poverty, she was always supportive of Marta’s dreams of being a soccer star. Marta and her mother celebrated when Orlando Pride won the 2024 NWSL Championship.

6. Marta and Carrie

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A post shared by Carrie Lawrence (@carrie__lawrence)

Alongside Marta to celebrate winning the 2024 NWSL title was not only her mom, but also her fiance. Orlando Pride teammates Marta and Carrie Lawrence announced their engagement this past August.

7. Marta the Polyglot

A polyglot is a person who can speak four or more languages. Marta’s high IQ on the pitch matches her intelligence off the pitch because she is fluent in four languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and English.

8. Citizenships

From 2014-2016, Marta played in Sweden for the Swedish club Rosengård. In 2017, Marta was granted Swedish citizenship. She has citizenship in Brazil and Sweden; Marta also gained her American green card in 2021.

9. UN Women Goodwill Ambassador

Marta holds the prestigious position of UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for women and girls in sports. Her strength and accomplishments remind all women and girls in sports that anything is possible.

10. Absolute Goalscorer

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Fans are aware of Marta’s ability to score goals, whether from the PK spot or dashing around defenders. But, when thinking of Brazilian soccer, many forget to bring up Marta. Obviously, this has much to do with the men’s game receiving more attention. Despite this issue, Marta ranks above all Brazilian soccer players as she has the most goals (119) in the program. Numerous legends have worn the #10 for the Brazil squad: Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. But only one has scored the most goals, and that is Marta.

Featured image via Getty Images