Brazilian football legend Marta Vieira da Silva has announced her retirement from international football, effective at the end of 2024, Owosports.com.ng reports.
The 38-year-old striker, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 123 goals in 196 appearances, will potentially make her sixth Olympic appearance at the Paris Games this summer before hanging up her international boots.
In an interview with CNN Brazil, Marta confirmed her decision, stating, “If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team… There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete.”
Marta’s illustrious career has seen her win Olympic silver medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and she is the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cups, with 17 goals in 23 appearances across six editions. Her closest attempt at World Cup glory came in 2007 when Brazil finished runners-up to Germany.
After Brazil’s early exit from the 2023 World Cup, Marta hinted at her international retirement, saying, “There is no more World Cup for Marta.” She has since reiterated her decision, expressing confidence in the next generation of Brazilian footballers.
“We have a really qualified team with really talented girls who, as the years go by, you will see what I’m talking about,” Marta said. “Because of this, I feel very comfortable saying: ‘Listen, I’m passing on to you, I’m going to pass on the baton, and you continue to carry on this legacy.'”
Marta, who has played club football for Orlando Pride since 2017, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of footballers. Her contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come, and her influence will continue to shape the world of football.