Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Marta Vieira da Silva, is set to grace the Olympic stage for a record sixth time.
The 38-year-old icon, often hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, will represent her nation at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Marta, who declared in April her intention to retire from international football this year, has been a beacon of inspiration and skill in women’s football for decades.
Her inclusion in the Brazilian squad was confirmed by the team’s manager, Arthur Elias, who spoke glowingly of her contributions and enduring talent.
“Marta is the greatest athlete of all time,” Elias said, with unmistakable pride. “She brings a lot to the table. She’s playing well and deserved to be on this list. I have the challenge of finding a way of playing to maximize her game. But she knows that you can only win with everyone.”
Currently playing for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League, Marta’s career has been nothing short of stellar. She has participated in six World Cups, including the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Despite Brazil’s early exit, Marta’s presence was a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Her Olympic journey began in Athens in 2004, where she won silver, a feat she repeated in Beijing in 2008. Both times, the Brazilian team was bested by the United States, a testament to the fierce rivalry and high stakes of the competition.
Marta’s remarkable record extends to being the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history, surpassing both men’s and women’s records with 17 goals in 23 appearances across six tournaments.
The upcoming Paris Games will be a bittersweet event for Marta, marking the end of an illustrious international career that has inspired countless young athletes around the globe.
Her legacy, however, will endure far beyond her final match, as she leaves an indelible mark on the world of football.
