After Brazil’s elimination from the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, Brazilian legend Marta announced her international retirement and made a plea for support for women’s football.
Brazil was eliminated from the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after a goalless draw against Jamaica on Wednesday. It was a disappointing performance for a team that was considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, despite the disappointment, football icon Marta had some messages to convey at the end of the match.
After congratulating the Jamaican team for their historic qualification to the round of 16 in a World Cup, the Brazilian number 10 (37 years old) chose this moment to announce her international retirement and encourage younger players to step up and carry on the legacy of women’s football.
“Marta is concluding her journey here. I am stopping, but they will continue. Support women’s football in Brazil and around the world. It’s hard to speak in a moment like this, even in my worst nightmares, I would have never imagined this. I am the only veteran here, most of them are incredibly talented young girls, and this is just the beginning,” she emphasized, looking directly into the camera. Her words were reported by RMC Sport.
She added, “I am grateful for the opportunity I had and very happy to have contributed to the development of women’s football in Brazil and worldwide. I want Brazilians to continue with the same enthusiasm they had at the beginning of the World Cup. Women’s football is growing.”
Marta also expressed her full support for Pia Sundhage, the coach of the Brazilian national team, and showed unwavering optimism about the team’s future: “I have confidence in the work done; I firmly believe that if it continues, it will work out. We must focus on the positive aspects… We have talent, a strong team, but it didn’t work out today. Now is the time to lift our heads. They have a long way to go, and you can’t throw stones at the first obstacle.”
