At the age of 38, Marta, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, has been chosen to represent her country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This will be her sixth appearance at the prestigious event, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the history of Brazilian sports. Since making her debut in 2002, Marta has scored an impressive 119 goals in 184 matches, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
In April, Marta announced that she would retire from professional football following the Olympics. Despite her impending retirement, Brazil manager Arthur Elias praised Marta as the “greatest athlete of all time” and emphasized her ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success in France. Elias expressed his confidence in Marta’s performances, stating that she deserved a spot on the Olympic roster. He acknowledged the challenge of maximizing Marta’s potential on the field but highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving victory.
Throughout her career, Marta has achieved remarkable success at major international tournaments. She made history as the first footballer to score at five different World Cups, a feat later matched by Christine Sinclair and Cristiano Ronaldo. Marta also became the first player, regardless of gender, to score in five consecutive Olympic Games. Her impact on the field has been undeniable, with her goal-scoring abilities setting her apart as a true legend of the sport.
Marta’s Olympic journey began in 2004 at the Athens Games, where Brazil secured a silver medal after a hard-fought final against the United States. She repeated this feat in 2008 at the Beijing Games, once again earning a silver medal following a defeat to the USA in the gold medal match. Marta’s Olympic experience continued in London, Rio, and Tokyo, leading up to her upcoming appearance in Paris this summer. Her consistent presence at the Games showcases her enduring passion for representing her country on the international stage.
In addition to her national team success, Marta has enjoyed a successful club career, playing for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League since 2017. With 33 goals in 106 games for the Pride, Marta has continued to shine on the domestic front, further solidifying her status as a top-class forward. She has also represented clubs such as Santos in Brazil and various teams in America, Sweden, and elsewhere, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a player.
As the streaming home of the Olympic Games, discovery+ offers fans the opportunity to watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer. With Marta set to participate in her sixth Olympic Games, viewers can witness the legendary player in action as she competes against the world’s best athletes. Marta’s legacy as Brazil’s leading goalscorer, a record-breaker at major tournaments, and a true icon of the sport is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.
