By making himself available to the Brazilian National Team to compete in the Copa America, Marta, 39, knew he had a great chance of expanding his already victorious title gallery. Finalist in all editions of the tournament, Brazil won eight trophies, a record that reinforces the team’s favoritism.
This Saturday (2), at 18h (Brasilia), the team will compete in its tenth decision, against Colombia, an opponent that brings good memories to the shirt 10. Three -time continental champion, Marta faced the Colombians in the three finals that won: in 2010, 2014 and 2022.
But the reunion is not limited to sports rivalry. The decision also carries a strong symbolism, both for Marta and the Brazilian group. In addition to the search for another achievement, the match marks the apex of a campaign that has served as a stage for criticism of Conmebol (South American Football Confederation) for the way the entity treats women’s football.
Since the beginning of the tournament in Quito, Ecuador, Brazilian players have been publicly denouncing the responsible for organizing the competition. The players criticized the bad conditions of the lawns, heating and logistics in the stadiums, as well as the absence of VAR (video referee) in important duels. Conmebol responded with late changes.
Marta has used her projection to amplify these complaints, reinforcing her role not only as a sports leader, but as one of the main voices of world women’s football.
Elected the best semifinal player against Uruguay, when he scored one of the five goals of the victory of the green and yellow team 5-1, the veteran said that, despite the problems in the tournament, he feels “very happy to experience this moment with the Brazilian National Team.”
As happened after the final of the last Olympic tournament, when Brazil lost the gold medal to the United States, Marta has signs that its cycle is in the national team is finishing. Paris games could have been the end point, but now is the expectation of her decision after the Copa America.
In several interviews, the player said she was preparing the end of her career, and that the new generation is ready to take over the protagonism. She did not participate in all 2024 friendly and was spared on calls.
His presence in the Copa America had symbolic weight: leading a transition, reinforcing the struggle for equality and ending the high level trajectory.
“If this is really her last America Cup, it must be special,” said Angelina, a companion of shirt 10 in the national team and the Orlando Pride.
“It’s amazing to be able to experience these moments with her. We have to enjoy every moment, because it’s not every day you can share with the best player in the world, that’s unique,” he added.
Marta is the biggest top scorer in the history of the World Cups, male and female, with 17 goals, but some of the great titles with the main team are missing. She never won a World Cup or won an Olympic gold – in Paris 2024 games, she got the silver.
The Copa America may be its last relevant trophy with the national team shirt, and the ideal farewell to a historic career. With the yellow shirt, she has five achievements. In addition to the three-time Copa America, the Pan American Games (2003 and 2007) has twice won.
Brazil is already automatically classified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, as it is the host country, so it would not have any other official competition until then, only friendly. Before the Copa America dispute, Marta left open the possibility of participating in the competition.
“As Brazilian, from the first moment they chose Brazil to host the World Cup, we always think of playing. But I want to live one day at a time, my thinking will not change for the World Cup to be here,” he said.
