Marta initially played futsal and handball at a regional level in Brazil. Her passion for football ignited after watching a women's game on television. She told her mother that one day she would be on TV playing football. This dream became a reality when she made her international debut for Brazil in 2002.

Club and National Team

Marta currently plays for Orlando Pride in the United States. She is coached by Marc Skinner at the club level and Pia Sundhage for the national team. Known for her left-footed prowess, she excels as a midfielder. Her partner, Toni Pressley, also plays for Orlando Pride and has represented the USA at U23 level.

Achievements and Milestones

Marta has an impressive list of accolades. She was voted FIFA World Player of the Year five times consecutively from 2006 to 2010 and again in 2018. She was named to the FIFPro Women's World XI in 2016 and 2017. Marta carried the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In December 2015, Marta scored her 100th goal for Brazil against Mexico, becoming the first Brazilian player to reach this milestone. She became the all-time top scorer at the World Cup with 17 goals during the 2019 tournament in France. Marta is also the first player to score in five consecutive World Cup editions from 2003 to 2019.

Injuries and Challenges

Marta has faced several injuries throughout her career. A left thigh injury kept her out of a friendly tournament in Sao Paulo in August 2019. She missed Brazil's opening match against Jamaica at the 2019 World Cup due to a left hamstring injury but returned for the second match against Australia.

Pain in her right thigh forced her to miss two friendly matches with Brazil in September 2018. A calf muscle injury sidelined her for three weeks in June 2018. Despite these setbacks, Marta's resilience has been unwavering.

Philosophy and Social Impact

Marta believes in using football as a tool for social development. She emphasises gender equality, respect for differences, and youth leadership through sports. "Football has a huge power," she says, "and knowing how to use all this passion to create opportunities for young people is something very precious."

Roles Beyond Football

In July 2018, Marta was named a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for women and girls in sport. She uses her story to empower women facing difficulties, showing that perseverance and will can lead to success. Previously, she served as a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Marta aims to continue making an impact both on and off the field. Her dedication to football and social causes remains strong as she continues to inspire future generations of athletes worldwide.

Residing in Orlando, Florida, Marta speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish fluently. Her journey from playing in the streets of Dois Riachos to becoming an international football icon is a testament to her hard work and determination.