Author: Amrit Santlani
Marta, the top scorer in the history of the Women’s World Cup, was substituted in the 80th minute of Brazil’s goalless draw against Jamaica. The fans gave her a thunderous ovation, many of them fearing that the end was near.
The legendary Brazilian striker’s record sixth World Cup appearance ended in a “nightmare”, in her own words, after Pia Sundhage’s team failed to reach the last 16 in Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking after the shocking result, Marta, 37, said it was time for a fresh start, offering hope of a bright future for her fans, while hinting that the end of the road could be near for her.
After scoring 17 World Cup goals, Marta confirmed that she won’t be able to increase her tally because “there will be no more World Cups” for her.
“Not even in my worst nightmares was the World Cup what I dreamed of. But it’s only the beginning, the Brazilian people are calling for renewal, and renewal is taking place” she said after the match.
“The only old one is me, most of them [suas companheiras de equipe] are young girls with enormous talent, and this is just the beginning for them. Marta finishes here, no more World Cup for Marta” Marta added with emotion.
Although the legendary striker failed to help Brazil win a major tournament, she did help the country reach the final in 2007, when they lost to Germany, and a similar story unfolded in the final of the Olympics, with silver medals in 2004 and 2008.
Since her debut for Brazil in 2022, Marta has made 189 appearances, scoring a record 122 goals. She won the World Player of the Year award six times in her career, which spanned more than two decades.
At club level, she has represented 11 different teams, but since 2017 she has played for Orlando Pride, winning titles all over the world.