Marta, the legendary forward from Brazil, has announced that the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will mark her final appearance on the global stage. The 37-year-old football icon, who made her World Cup debut back in 2003, has amassed an extraordinary record, becoming Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with an impressive tally of 117 goals.
While Marta has clinched victory in the Copa America three times during her illustrious career, the coveted World Cup trophy has eluded her grasp. Despite her incredible achievements, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year six times, the prestigious accolade she yearns for remains absent from her esteemed collection.
During a recent interview with local media in Brasilia on Monday, Marta confirmed her decision, stating, “Yes, it will be my last World Cup. We have to understand that a time comes for us to prioritize other things.” Expressing gratitude for her years of service in the national team, Marta spoke of the surreal nature of embarking on her sixth World Cup campaign.
As Brazil prepares for their World Cup journey, their head coach, Pia Sundhage, hinted that Marta may begin the tournament on the sidelines due to her ongoing recovery from a knee injury. Last year, Marta underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and made her return to the national team in February after an 11-month absence. However, she did not participate in the friendly matches against England and Germany in April. It was not until the recent 4-0 victory over Chile that she made a 74th-minute appearance as a substitute.
Brazil’s World Cup campaign is set to commence on July 24 with a match against Panama, followed by highly anticipated encounters against France and Jamaica. The absence of Marta from the starting lineup could potentially be a significant blow for Brazil’s aspirations in the tournament, as her immense talent and experience have been instrumental in the team’s success over the years.
With the footballing world bidding farewell to an extraordinary talent, fans and fellow players alike eagerly await Marta’s swan song on the grandest stage of women’s football. As her final World Cup journey unfolds, the global football community will undoubtedly witness the indomitable spirit and immense contributions that have made Marta a true icon of the sport.
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