Marta Vieira da Silva

Marta Vieira da Silva, known as Marta, is a Brazilian professional footballer, born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, Alagoas. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers of all time. Marta began her professional career with Vasco da Gama before moving to Santa Cruz, where she won several titles.

Marta is known for her incredible speed, strength, goal-scoring ability, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including six FIFA World Player of the Year titles, and holds multiple records, such as the most goals in FIFA Women's World Cup history.

Off the field, Marta is also recognized for her activism and influence, making significant contributions to gender equality and inspiring millions worldwide.

Vasco da Gama

• Youth and Early Career: Marta was born and raised in Alagoas and began her career at Vasco da Gama. She made her first-team debut in 2000.

Santa Cruz

• Early Success: Marta transferred to Santa Cruz in 2002, where she developed into one of Brazil's best forwards and won several titles.

Umeå IK

• European Success: In 2004, Marta transferred to Umeå IK in Sweden. Over the next four years, she became the club's top scorer and won numerous titles, including two UEFA Women's Champions League trophies.

Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride, Western New York Flash

• Advent in America: Marta joined the Women's Professional Soccer league in the United States in 2009, playing for Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride, and Western New York Flash, winning the league title once with each team.

Tyresö FF

• Return to Sweden: Marta returned to Sweden in 2012, joining Tyresö FF and leading the team to a UEFA Women's Champions League final.

FC Rosengård

• Continued Success: In 2014, Marta signed with FC Rosengård, where she continued to win titles and individual awards.

Orlando Pride

• Present Career: In 2017, Marta joined Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League, continuing her career with high expectations for success.

Brazil National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Brazil in 2002.

Achievements:

• Pan American Games: Winner in 2003 and 2007.
• Sudamericano Femenino: Winner in 2003 and 2010.
• Marta is Brazil's all-time top scorer and has the most World Cup goals of any player, male or female.

• Position: Primarily a forward, but also excels as a midfielder.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, agility, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Marta is celebrated for her creativity, vision, and dribbling ability.

• Family: Marta is in a relationship with Toni Deion Pressley, a fellow professional footballer.
• Activism: Marta is involved in various charitable activities and has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in football.

• Marta is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her work ethic, determination, and advocacy for gender equality in football. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Goals in FIFA Women's World Cup:

• 17 goals

FIFA World Player of the Year:

• 6 times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018)

Most Goals for Brazil:

• Over 110 goals

Most Appearances and Goals in professional league:

• Most capped player and top scorer

Books

• Edmonds, L. (2019) Marta: The Best Women's Soccer Player in the World. New York: Abdo Kids.
• Stewart, M. (2017) Marta! (Brazil's Soccer Star). Minnesota: Capstone Press.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Marta’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• Orlando Pride: Details about Marta’s career at Orlando Pride. Available at: https://www.orlandocitysc.com
• UEFA: Updates and records of Marta in UEFA competitions. Available at: https://www.uefa.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Marta: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48839800
• The Guardian: Marta’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/marta

Interviews and Documentaries

• Marta: The Journey (2019): This documentary provides a detailed look at Marta’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Marta, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com