Brazilian striker Marta has extended her contract with NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) side Orlando Pride for a further two years, despite speculation that she could hang up her boots.
Widely considered one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time, Marta, who turns 39 next month, has previously said she played her last World Cup and Olympics, and in November lifted the NWSL’s first championship trophy from Orlando.
“It was the honor of a lifetime to represent this community, to be its captain and bring the first league championship to the city of Orlando,” said Marta in a video posted on social media this Thursday (9).
“I’m staying home!” she added with an explosion of purple Orlando Pride fireworks in the background.
Marta holds the record for most World Cup final goals, with 17, and had a productive season in 2024 with the Pride, scoring 11 times. She helped Brazil win its third Olympic silver medal in Paris last year.
Renewing the contract of the player voted six times best in the world by FIFA (International Football Federation) was a key commercial priority, said Pride sporting director, Haley Carter.
“The impact she has made on our team, our locker room and our community is evident, through her incredible skill as a player, but even more so through her selfless and exemplary leadership style,” Carter said in a statement.
