In a fitting start to her final dance on the world stage, Brazilian football legend Marta assisted in Brazil’s opening victory against Nigeria at the Paris Olympics. The 36th minute saw the 38-year-old receive a pass, expertly control the ball, and unleash a shot that kissed the net after hitting the inside of the woodwork. While the goal was ruled offside, it showcased Marta’s enduring brilliance. Just a minute later, she set up Gabi Nunes to open the scoring for the South American giants.
Affectionately known as ‘Queen Marta’, she holds the record for the highest goal scorer of all time for Brazil, with 116 goals in 175 matches, spanning both men’s and women’s football. Before the tournament, Marta announced that the Paris Olympics would be her last, and her performance in the opening game suggests she’s ready to go out on a high.
“I contributed what I supposed to give to the national team, you know? I’m feeling so comfortable to leave because when I look around me and I see really, really good players, young players, who can keep doing the work and keep representing Brazil so well,” Marta had said before the tournament. “It’s been so much of my life, since I was 14, I left home and then I just live football every single day,” she added. “I just feel like maybe it’s time to just take a little bit away from that and let the young players shine.”
Beyond her impressive Brazilian record, Marta is also the top scorer in the Women’s World Cup with 17 goals, achieving a runner-up finish in 2007. She has three Copa America Femenina titles to her name and was part of the Brazil team that claimed silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Marta started her club career with Vasco da Gama, followed by spells at Swedish clubs Umea IK, Tyreso FF and Rosengard. She has also played in the U.S., representing Los Angeles Sol, Western New York Flash and Gold Pride. Her legacy as a global icon and inspiration for generations of female footballers is assured, and her final Olympic journey promises to be a fitting send-off for one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
