Brazilian legend Marta will retire from international football this year.
The 38-year-old confirmed the news in an interview with CNN Esportes S/A that airs Sunday, saying she is at peace with her decision given the promising future of Brazil’s national team, which has a pipeline of young, blossoming talent.
“This is my last year, and I can already confirm it here. There is a moment when we have to understand that the time has come,” Marta told CNN. “I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes.”
Marta has appeared in five Olympics throughout her decorated career, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008. It remains to be seen if she will be chosen to represent Brazil at the Paris Olympics this summer but she said that, regardless, she will no longer be with the team come 2025.
“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 said to CNN. “There is no longer Marta in the national team as an athlete from 2025 onwards.”
Marta’s impact on women’s soccer has been paramount.
That much was evident after her emotional farewell from the World Cup stage last year. In a tear-filled press conference that went viral, she told a room full of reporters: “We ask the new generation to continue where we left off: continue to inspire even more girls and boys, no matter what age they are.”
In January, she was presented with a FIFA Special Award “following more than 20 years of stellar service to the sport”. She joined Canada’s Christine Sinclair, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow Brazilian Pele in receiving the honour. Marta has also been voted best player in the world six times between 2006 and 2018.
Starting in 2025, FIFA also said it will introduce the “Marta Award” for the best goal scored in women’s football.
Though Marta says she will retire from international duty following the Olympics, she remains on contract with the Orlando Pride through the rest of the 2024 season. The team is undefeated and faces the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Friday.
(Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
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