Marta is not just a name in soccer; she’s been the literal embodiment of the women’s sport for more than two decades. Ever since starting her career at Vasco Da Gama way back in 2000, she has won numerous laureates to her name. Unarguably regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, the Brazilian forward gears up for what may be her final chapter. 

After joining Orlando Pride on a free transfer from Rosengård, Marta has shown unwavering loyalty to the club for almost eight years and will now feature in their first-ever NWSL final. In an interview with the ‘attackingthird,’ the 38-year-old was brought to tears after reflecting on the long journey she’s had. “It’s the answer that I try to find every single year because, like you say, from 2017, I am the only player who is still in the team and every single season, I ask myself, why? Why am I looking for something special to do here” said a very emotional Marta.

The forward was the first player to reach 100 appearances in Orlando’s history and even scored their 200th goal. Regardless of the final result, Marta acknowledged that this was her best season yet, and the numbers certainly don’t lie. She managed to bag 11 goals and assists for the side that finished on top of the NWSL table in the regular season. Of course, nothing less is expected from Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer. 

With time ticking away, Marta is focused on leading Orlando to their first-ever title and then hanging up her boots, perhaps. She has already informed Brazil’s national team head coach, Arthur Elias, that she is not looking to play in the 2027 World Cup. With the tournament set to take place in her home country, fans will be hoping to witness the icon play the beautiful game one last time. 

Marta’s chance to make Orlando’s ‘pride’ soar to new heights

Apart from 2017 and 2024, Pride has never finished above seventh and got labeled as a bottom-half team. The No. 10 has shared the pitch with the likes of Alex Morgan, Ali Kreiger, Steph Catley, and Sydney Leroux, but she is the only one who stayed. Nicknamed the ‘female Pele’, we hope that Marta’s legacy does not end up like Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus.

Seb Hines’ Orlando side will be facing Jonatan Giráldez’s Spirits, having already defeated them twice in the regular season. Orlando has also not lost a single regular meeting against Washington in the past two seasons. However, we all know how clutch Trinity Rodman can be, having done so in the last NWSL final she played in. Domestically, Marta has had her most successful individual campaign since scoring 13 in her first season. Despite being 38, she still looks like someone in her prime, which was evident in the semi-final win over KC Current.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup record goalscorer will be looking forward to cementing her name in the history books. What’s your take on Marta looking forward to winning her first NWSL title? Share in the comments below.