Paris Olympics 2024: Marta Admits Games Final ‘Probably’ Her Last Game for Brazil

Brazil’s legendary footballer, Marta, has hinted that her appearance in the Olympic women’s football final against the United States may mark the end of her illustrious career representing her country. After Brazil’s narrow 1-0 loss in the gold medal match, Marta reflected on what might be her final game in a Brazil jersey, capping off a remarkable career that has spanned over two decades.

“In the Olympic Games (yes) and probably in official competition,” the 38-year-old confirmed when asked if this was her last game for Brazil. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year acknowledged the likelihood that she will not be seen at another World Cup, adding, “I don’t think you will see me again at the World Cup. I don’t know what might happen or what the plans of the national team are, but my plans are to keep contributing to the team in some way, because this is my life.”

This announcement comes amid speculation that Marta might attempt to continue playing until the next World Cup in 2027, which Brazil will host. However, her statements suggest that her focus now may shift towards other forms of contribution to Brazilian football off the pitch.

Marta’s journey at the Paris Olympics was filled with emotional highs and lows. She was sent off in Brazil’s final group stage match against Spain, leading to a two-match ban that threatened to end her Olympics prematurely. However, her teammates fought valiantly, securing their place in the final and giving Marta one last opportunity to grace the Olympic stage as a second-half substitute in the final against the USA.

“I am proud of the team for everything we have done in this competition,” Marta said after the match. She praised her teammates’ resilience, particularly in a tournament she described as “very difficult,” with its grueling schedule and numerous injuries. Despite the challenges, she highlighted the team’s ability to surpass expectations and secure a medal, which was their ultimate goal.

Marta also took a moment to reflect on her impact on women’s football, a sport that was once viewed with skepticism in Brazil. “I have spent more than 20 years doing what I love most, and playing a sport that was not always seen as being for women,” she stated. “Now we can say that it is one of the most followed sports… someone had to start that process, so I feel very proud to have contributed and participated in some way so that today people talk much more about women’s football.”

As she clutched her silver medal, Marta’s words carried the weight of her journey—a career marked by historic achievements and the breaking of barriers for women in football. While she may no longer be seen on the pitch in a Brazil jersey, Marta’s legacy is cemented, and she remains committed to supporting the next generation of Brazilian footballers. “I am not going to disappear from football. I am going to try to contribute somehow to this generation, because they are very talented girls and are well aware of what we can achieve,” she concluded.

Marta’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, and while the final chapter on the field may be closing, her influence on the game will undoubtedly continue for years to come.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram