How Marta Set The Example For A New Generation of Women Soccer Players

The 2024 Olympics signaled the end for one of the trailblazers of women’s soccer, as Marta called time on her international career.

The Brazilian superstar’s farewell tour looked set to end in disaster after her sending off in the first half of Brazil’s group stage game against Spain.

However, she made a triumphant return to the field in the final, despite her Brazilian team eventually settling for silver after defeat against the United States.

In a time where women’s soccer was overlooked, Marta set about changing the future of the game, and it is easy to argue that the sport has never been in a brighter period in history than in the state that she left it after walking off the field for the final time at international level in Paris last summer.

Breakthrough

Marta, one of the best Brazilian soccer players according to YouBet, always appeared set for superstardom after playing soccer on the streets of Brazil in her home city of Dois Riachos. Her talent was spotted by a coach when she was just 14 and she was quickly fast tracked through the CSA youth team before making her professional debut in 2000 for Vasco da Gama.

Two years after, she would be on the move again after signing for Santa Cruz. A brilliant two-year-old period would follow with the club, scoring 16 goals in 38 matches before making a big move to Europe with Swedish club Umea IK.

European Success

Marta would enjoy four excellent years during her stint in Sweden, something which was later acknowledged after she gained Swedish citizenship in 2017. The Brazilian would make an immediate impact on the field, scoring three goals over the two legs in the UEFA Women’s Cup success against Frankfurt. However, despite a prolific scoring campaign domestic, Marta and Umea came up short in the Swedish league.

But, a maiden league title followed in 2005, with Marta scoring 21 goals as Umea went unbeaten throughout the season. More success following in 2006, as the Swedish club went unbeaten through the domestic season, before losing in the Swedish Cup final.

The 2007 and 2008 seasons would see the club achieve further success, winning the league titles in both campaigns and losing in the UEFA Women’s Cup in the former. However, speculation was increasing that Marta was considering her future after being awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009. But, her long-standing impact on soccer in Sweden was honoured in the television documentary in the country ‘Marta- Peles Kusin’.

Overseas Adventures

Marta would continue her career in the WPS with Los Angeles Sol in 2009, citing the fact that the newly formed U.S. league would be considered the best. The Brazilian enjoyed a strong first season, finishing as the top scorer, but the team fell short in the WPD Championship final.

After Los Angeles Sol ceased operations, Marta joined FC Gold Price, scoring 24 goals in her first season. A return to Sweden followed in 2012 after agreeing a deal with Tyreso FF. However, financial difficulties saw the club excluded from the 2014 season.

Since 2017, Marta has been back playing soccer in the United States with Orlando Pride. She has enjoyed a stellar stay at the club, despite injury issues in the 2022 campaign. The Brazilian became the first player to make 100 appearances for the club, and was part of the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship-winning squad in 2024.

International Superstar

Despite achieving success throughout her club career, it has been on the international stage where Marta has really showcased her talents. On her U20 debut in 2007 she was compared to Pele, and she was a focal point of the 2007 World Cup squad, which eventually finished second after defeat to Germany.

Marta’s first appearance at the Olympics came in 2008, but she would once again be forced to settle for second place after defeat against the United States. International records began to tumble at her feet in 2015, becoming Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in the women’s game. She would later become the first male or female player to score at five editions of the World Cup in 2019, but an early elimination came at the hands of France.

Olympic history was made in 2021 after scoring in a fifth straight edition. But, she was unable to add to that tally in Paris last year.

Legacy

Marta epitomized everything that neutrals love about watching Brazilian’s play soccer, as she was small, quick, and loved to dribble with the ball.

She drew comparisons with Ronaldinho and Rivaldo at international level, and her flare was a key reason why newcomers to the women’s game tuned in to watch watches. Despite calling time on her international career, Marta will continue to ensure that the American soccer league ranks among the very best in the world for years to come.