The 38-year-old striker, affectionately known as “Queen Marta,” is one of the most well-known women’s footballers in the world. She is regarded in some circles as the greatest women’s footballer to ever play the game. Marta holds numerous records and is recognized for her achievements in the sport. Marta currently holds the record for the most goals scored at the World Cup, men’s or women’s, having scored 17 goals across 23 appearances in six editions of the tournament.

She is also the all-time highest scorer for Brazil with 116 goals. Marta currently plays with the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League in the USA and hopes to make her sixth appearance at the Olympics this summer in Paris, if selected for the Brazilian squad. The 2025 Olympics will mark Marta’s last year with the national team as an athlete. She expressed her intention to enjoy every moment, regardless of whether she is selected for the Olympics or not.

Marta’s confidence in the next generation of Brazilian football talent is evident, despite the struggles of the Brazil team in the most recent edition of the Women’s World Cup. Marta has a successful track record, having won three Copa America Femenina titles and being part of the Brazil team that claimed silver medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and 2008 Beijing Games. She started her club career at 14 years old with Vasco da Gama and has also played for various teams in Sweden and the U.S.

Marta remains optimistic about the development of young athletes in Brazil. She believes in the potential of the next generation and is supportive of the progress taking place in relation to young athletes.