Marta Announces Likely Retirement from Brazil National Team

Marta, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer announced that she has likely played her last game for the national team. The 38-year-old Orlando Pride forward had previously stated her intention to retire from international football this year. Despite speculation that she might extend her career to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Marta confirmed that Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the United States in the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal match would be her final appearance in official competitions.

Marta leaves behind a remarkable legacy, including three Olympic silver medals from losses to the USA in 2004, 2008, and 2024. Although she never won a major international title with Brazil, Brazil’s coach, Arthur Elias, celebrated her as “the best in history.” Elias praised Marta and expressed pride in both her and the national team. Marta’s final Olympics saw her receive a red card in a group-stage loss to Spain which resulted in a two-match suspension.

This suspension meant she missed key matches against France and Spain before making a brief appearance as a substitute in the final against the USA. Elias’s embrace with Marta at the end of the match was a heartfelt farewell. Despite her retirement from international football, Marta plans to stay involved in the sport. She expressed her commitment to supporting the next generation of female footballers and emphasized her pride in having contributed to the growth and visibility of women’s football.

Marta reflected on her more than 20-year career, noting the evolution of the sport and her role in advancing women’s football.