This article has been translated from its original version written by Frida Zapien that can be found here.
Marta Vieira da Silva didn’t just break barriers. She walked right up to them and tore them down. In a world that so often doubted a woman’s place within football, she unapologetically called for the ball and became the world’s best, earning the record for top goal scorer at a World Cup with 17 goals – men’s or women’s. She is also the only player to score at six different World Cups.
Marta is a living example of how believing in your dreams can empower you to overcome any obstacle. Her impact goes beyond football; as UN Women Ambassador, she has inspired women and girls to believe in themselves and fight for their rights. From Dois Riachos to the biggest stages in football, Marta has shown that a true champion doesn’t just win titles, they leave a legacy that provides victories beyond the trophy case.
When it comes to records and history in women’s football, the name of Marta Vieira da Silva goes hand in hand. Her career is full of achievements that have marked a before and after in the sport.
Since her first appearance at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she helped Brazil win the silver medal with three goals, Marta showed the world who she was. In Beijing in 2008, she earned herself and her national with another silver medal, cementing her place among the footballing greats.
Her ability to show up and dominate at every tournament made her the only player to score in five consecutive Olympic Games, from 2004 to Tokyo 2020. At the 2012 London Olympics and at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Marta continued to demonstrate her impact and quality on the pitch, scoring two goals in each tournament. In Tokyo, her performance included three more goals, taking her to a total of 13 throughout her entire Olympic career, making her the second highest scorer in the history of the tournament.
Marta has participated in her last Olympic tournament. Brazil reached the final against the United States and thanks to a goal from Mallory Swanson, were bested by the North Americans 1-0, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in women’s football.
Marta Silva’s presence at the tournament has not only been a show of skill and dedication, but also a testament to the profound change she has driven in the sport. From her first appearances, Marta not only challenged her rivals on the field, but broke barriers, questioned stereotypes and challenged gender inequality. For years, her career has been a constant fight against machismo and social norms.
Marta showed that excellence knows no gender. Her legacy goes beyond trophies and goals; she is a symbol of empowerment and an inspiration for all those who seek to challenge what is and instead look at what could be. Even though Marta may be leaving the Olympics, her influence will live on. Her name is now etched in football history, not only as an exceptional player, but as a figure who transformed the way women are perceived in sport.
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