When one door closes, another opens, as the saying goes. Yet for Marta, that door hasn‘t exactly closed—it’s just slightly ajar. Moments after helping Orlando Pride win the NWSL Championship, Brazil’s legendary forward found herself in an unexpected, lively exchange that went viral on social media.

During a live post-match interview, Marta was asked about her plans for the upcoming preseason. With her trademark humor, she replied, “I don’t know. We don’t have anything like that,” referring to the uncertainty surrounding her contract status. Little did she know that the next response would come from Laura Harvey, the head coach of the Seattle Reign.

“If you don’t have a contract, I’ll give you a contract,” Harvey said. Marta, always quick with a joke, turned to the camera and exclaimed, “Hey, let’s start the bang now. Guys, we are live. I’m on TV!” The moment was very much alive, a burst of joy that transcended into a friendship and a respect for one another of the league.

This lighthearted moment does not conceal what looms over Marta’s future. The six-time FIFA Player of the Year remains a force within the game but time catches up on everyone. What she does next remains to be seen, from inking a new deal with Orlando to heading off to a new club or something completely different.

As the post-match celebrations continued, Marta’s reflections went beyond the playful exchange with Laura Harvey. Shifting gears, she took a moment to highlight the league itself, offering heartfelt insights into its growth and unwavering competitiveness.

“The best league in the world,” Marta reflects on the growth of NWSL

Under the bright lights of the NWSL’s biggest stage, Marta, the legendary Brazilian forward, didn’t just celebrate Orlando Pride’s championship victory—she shared a heartfelt tribute to the league that has been both her battleground and her home. Reflecting on the league’s journey, Marta’s words resonated with the wisdom of a veteran and the pride of a pioneer.

Speaking with reporters, Marta shared her pride and passion. Having seen the league grow from its very start to its current status, she conveyed her gratitude for being part of this incredible journey. For Marta, the NWSL is more than just a competition; it symbolizes her dedication to personal growth and excellence.

Marta vividly described what makes the NWSL special. The competition is fierce, she explained, whether in training with skilled teammates or facing tough opponents like Washington Spirit or Kansas City Current. In the NWSL, there are no easy matches and no certain outcomes. 

Even having played in Europe, Marta had a good comparison with the leagues there. While acknowledging the European strength in terms of teams, she pointed out a considerable difference—by consistency. “You don’t play against a strong team every single week,” she explained. In the NWSL, however, every match is a challenge, and every opponent is tough.

“This is why I say it is the best league in the world, regardless.” Marta’s conclusion is simple yet impactful. The NWSL, in Marta’s eyes, is not just a league; it is a stage where every match is a test of fitness and intensity and a place that she proudly calls home.