Brazil’s all-time top scorer in both men’s and women’s football, Marta, will retire from internationals this year, the 38-year-old striker said on Thursday.
Marta, who has been playing in the United States with Orlando Pride since 2017, hopes to make her sixth appearance at the Olympics at this year’s Games in Paris.
“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,” Marta told CNN in an interview on Thursday.
“There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete.
“I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes.”
Marta, fondly referred to as “Queen Marta,” holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, tallying 116 goals in 175 matches.
Recognized as one of the greatest footballers in history, she also holds the title for the most goals scored in the Women’s World Cup, with an impressive 17 goals to her name.
Despite not clinching a World Cup victory, Marta reached the final in 2007, where Brazil suffered a 2-0 defeat to Germany in Shanghai, China.
Throughout her career, Marta has secured three Copa America Femenina titles and contributed to Brazil’s silver medal finishes at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.
Marta’s journey in club football commenced with Vasco da Gama, followed by stints at prominent Swedish clubs such as Umea IK, Tyreso FF, and Rosengard.
Additionally, she made an impact in the U.S. league, representing teams like Los Angeles Sol, Western New York Flash, and Gold Pride.