Brazilian football icon Marta Vieira da Silva, better known simply as Marta, has declared this year her final season in international football.
The 38-year-old striker holds the record for most goals scored in both men’s and women’s Brazilian national team history. While her participation in this summer’s Paris Olympics remains a possibility, Marta confirms this will be her last with the national team regardless.
“This is my last year,” she told CNN Brazil. “There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete.”
Marta’s decorated career includes two Olympic silver medals, both lost to the United States in 2004 and 2008. She also boasts the all-time record for World Cup goals (men’s and women’s) with 17 goals across six tournaments. While a World Cup title eluded her, she came closest in 2007 when Brazil finished runners-up to Germany.
Following Brazil’s disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup, Marta declared “there is no more World Cup for Marta”. Now, she expresses confidence in the next generation of Brazilian talent.
“We have a really qualified team with really talented girls,” she said. “I feel very comfortable saying: ‘Listen, I’m passing on the baton and you continue to carry on this legacy’.”
Marta currently plays club football for Orlando Pride in the United States.
