Brazilian soccer star Marta, who holds the record for all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil with 115 goals, both male and female, announced in an interview with CNN Brasil that she will be retiring from international soccer this year. The 38-year-old forward has appeared in six World Cup tournaments and could potentially make her sixth Olympic Games appearance if selected for the Brazilian squad in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Marta expressed her bittersweet feelings about retiring from the national team and highlighted her optimism for the future of Brazilian women’s soccer. She emphasized the importance of young athletes in the sport and recognized that the time has come for her to step down from the national team after a successful career.
Throughout her career, Marta has earned numerous accolades, including winning the FIFA Player of the Year award six times, the Women’s Champions League, and the Copa Libertadores Femenina. Her 17 World Cup goals are an all-time record in both men’s and women’s soccer, making her a true legend in the sport. Despite her many achievements, the major global titles with Brazil remain unfinished business for Marta, who has come close to glory on several occasions, including the 2007 Women’s World Cup final and Olympic gold medal matches.
The Olympic Games in Paris will be Marta’s final tournament with the national team, as she looks forward to retiring from international soccer in 2021. Her contributions to Brazilian women’s soccer have been unparalleled, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes to admire and aspire to emulate.