For the last eight years, soccer legend Marta has been waiting for a chance to play in the NWSL Championship game. Orlando Pride is looking to top off their near-perfect season with what may be the 38-year-old captain’s final club campaign, ever since she began her career at Vasco Da Gama 24 years ago. Marta has been the face of soccer for more than two decades. Ever since joining Orlando Pride from Rosengård on a free transfer, she has been committed to the club. With time running out for the Brazilian, many believe this might be her one last dance!

In an interview with ‘attackingthird’, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year got teary-eyed while reflecting on the journey she has had so far. “I don’t know if I’m going to be here next year, but I’m already so happy with what I have given to the club and the players [in the last 8 years],” Marta noted, having made over 100 appearances at Orlando. Marta also mentioned that she is proud of what she has managed to achieve with her team this season, regardless of the result in the finals. 

The No. 10 once shared the pitch with the likes of Alex Morgan, Ali Kreiger, Steph Catley, and Sydney Leroux, but could be the only one among them to win Orlando Pride their first-ever league title. The all-time top scorer for Brazil has already informed national head coach Arthur Elias about having no plans to participate in the 2027 World Cup. Nicknamed the ‘female Pele’, Marta will be looking forward to writing her name in the history books for years to come. 

Marta is indeed Orlando’s Pride 

This season, Marta has had her most successful scoring campaign with 11 goals and an assist for the Orlando side that finished top of the NWSL table in the regular season. Despite her age, she shows no signs of slowing down, which was evident in her semi-final goal against KC Current. Going into the finals, Marta’s side looks to be favorites, as they have won all four of their past encounters against the Washington Spirit.

However, if the game were to go in extra time, the Spirits have a reputation for snatching last-minute winners, having lost only one match in NWSL post-season history that went to extra time. And Trinity Rodman will know all about coming in clutch during the final moments, having done so during the 2021 final. Seb Hines’ will be hoping that his Orlando side stains Jonatan Giráldez’s near-perfect managerial record.

Fans hope that Marta’s legacy does not mirror Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus. Will it be the first title for Marta and Orlando, or will Rodman win her second? Only time will tell.