Marta says she will choose her own retirement as Brazil women's football looks ahead to Copa 2027

Brazilian football legend Marta Vieira da Silva, six‑time FIFA World Player of the Year and all‑time top scorer for Brazil’s men’s and women’s teams, reflected on her humble beginnings in the small town of Dois Riachos, Alagoas, and her breakthrough at Vasco da Gama at age 14. She recalled traveling by bus to Rio, working low‑paid jobs and living in a carriage before being signed by the club.

Marta emphasized that she will decide when to retire, rejecting pressure to end her career with a “golden” farewell. She highlighted the progress of women’s football in Brazil, noting the positive outlook ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and urged continued investment in youth development. While she has not yet won an Olympic or World Cup gold, she said she would trade individual awards for collective success for the national team and the sport’s future.

The interview also touched on her personal life, including her marriage to former teammate Carrie Lawrence, but Marta kept the focus on the sport, urging that the next generation should not face the same hardships she endured.