Marta Hopes to Lead Brazil to Copa América Title After Coming Out of Retirement

Copa América Femenina: Marta Hopes to Lead Brazil to Title After Coming Out of Retirement

It was only a year ago that Marta walked off the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, marking an emotional farewell to an illustrious career with the Brazilian national football team. However, the six-time world player of the year isn’t done just yet.

The 39-year-old forward has come out of retirement to play for Brazil in the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. Brazil has a rich history in this tournament, having clinched eight titles in the prestigious women’s competition for South America. track casino okbet 2022

The Copa América is one of three major continental women’s tournaments happening this summer, alongside the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Although Marta had taken a step back from the national team, Brazil’s coach Arthur Elias recalled her in late May for a couple of friendly matches against Japan. Marta also started in a pre-Copa América practice match against France in late June.

The Desire to Help

Marta expressed that she is focused on living in the moment. “My work doesn’t change, the feeling doesn’t change, the pride doesn’t change, the desire to help the team doesn’t change, and it never will, regardless of whether I’m playing or not,” she stated during a news conference when she was reintroduced to the team. “I’m aware that I don’t have many years left to play, so I want to make the most of the little time I have.”

Before the Paris Games last year, Marta announced her retirement from the national team post-Olympics to make room for the younger generation 8k8slot. Despite this, Brazil went on to secure the silver medal after narrowly losing to the United States in the final.

She continued playing for her club team, Orlando Pride, in the National Women’s Soccer League, where she netted 11 goals last season, helping the team win the NWSL title. Earlier this year, she re-signed with the club through 2026 772 pub.com.

Impressive Career Stats

Marta’s national team career has spanned over 20 years, featuring 204 games and scoring 119 goals. She has participated in six World Cups and six Olympic Games, with Brazil’s best World Cup performance being a runner-up finish in 2007. The team has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but the elusive gold medal has always remained just out of reach.

In Brazil’s Copa América opener, she starred in a 2-0 victory over Venezuela and later came off the bench in a dominating 6-0 win against Bolivia. The next challenge awaits as Brazil prepares to face Paraguay on Tuesday (8 p lucky jelly slot.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).

Marta has stated that she will accept any role that coach Elias assigns to her, acknowledging that Brazil boasts a plethora of talented young players, such as 25-year-old Kerolin from Manchester City and 22-year-old Luany from Atlético Madrid.

The World Cup on the Horizon

However, a significant topic looms: the Women’s World Cup is set to be held in Marta’s home country in 2027. While she previously mentioned she couldn’t see herself participating at 41, she hasn’t completely ruled out the prospect either. “The coach has always been clear that he’ll call whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age, and I think that’s the correct approach,” she remarked. “It will depend on what unfolds in my daily life, and that’s why I’m living one day at a time.”

Marta may also have other plans for her future. “I still have a strong desire to be a mother, so maybe one day I’ll wake up and decide to talk to my doctor about the possibilities,” she shared in a recent interview with Globo’s Esporte Espetacular. “If it is possible, that could change everything.”

With her remarkable journey continuing, how do you feel about Marta’s comeback to the national team?