Not every day you hear a legend like Marta speak with such a mix of reverence and challenge. At the National Women‘s Soccer League Championship (NWSL) press conference, the star Brazilian talked about her journey this season with Orlando Pride. With visible admiration for the league, she celebrated the progress while also calling out the future challenges. For, after all, “Rome wasn‘t built in a day,” and women‘s soccer won‘t reach its full potential without a collective push.

Marta began by declaring the NWSL as the “best league in the world,” a bold claim from someone who has played in numerous leagues worldwide. Reflecting on the season, she expressed the level of competition, teamwork, and resilience shown by her team and others. However, she cautioned against complacency. The foundation is solid, but the structure is still being built. “There’s still room for development,” she pointed out, highlighting areas like infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement that could enhance the league. 

For Marta, visibility is crucial. She urged fans, media, and stakeholders to elevate their efforts. The NWSL has come a long way, she noted, but it still has a mountain to climb. “We need to keep working. We as players need to do our part, and you all too—just talk more about women’s soccer,” Marta stressed. She understands that for the league to shine on the global stage, it needs nurturing from its roots. 

Marta embraces the joy of mentorship

In the twilight of her great career, Marta remains an inspiration to the next generation of soccer stars. Recently, at a press conference, the Brazilian legend spoke about the unique joy that young players in the NWSL bring to her while mentoring them. She highlighted that youngsters benefit from her extensive experience, while she is rejuvenated by their youthful enthusiasm. The saying goes that iron sharpens iron, and Marta is a live example.

“I’m really happy to have young players around,” Marta expressed, her face brightening at the thought as she added, “I can contribute to their development, and they make me feel good every single day.” This partnership transcends generations, rooted in mutual respect and a shared love for the game. Marta compared their presence to a daily challenge, motivating her to maintain peak performance and keep pace with emerging talents like Zambia’s Barbra Banda. 

The bond between a mentor and their mentees is timeless, and Marta embodies this dynamic with elegance. She recognizes that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.