Marta may have played her final World Cup match, but she doesn’t see that as any reason to stop supporting Brazil or women’s soccer.
A stunning scoreless draw between As Canarinhas and Jamaica, the latest shock result in a tournament full of upsets, has ended the legendary Brazilian attacker’s tournament early.
Brazil entered this tournament as a threat to win the whole thing, which would have been the perfect storybook ending for Marta’s international career.
They started the World Cup off looking the part, capping off a 4-0 win over Panama with a gorgeous team goal that will not likely be matched as the tournament’s best. Next, they fell 2-1 to France in an electric atmosphere. Brazil played well in defeat, but that result meant they would have to beat Jamaica to get out of Group F.
The Reggae Girlz were considered longshots, but a third straight brilliant defensive effort got them the draw needed to advance for the first time ever. Just like that, an icon left the world stage for the last time.
Speaking in a post-game interview, Marta addressed the very mixed situation before her: a heartbreaking early exit, but also a tournament getting more attention than ever before, and a Brazil side that has started to show the benefits of more public support and investment.
“It’s hard to talk about this moment. Not even in my worst nightmares was it the World Cup I dreamed of. But, it’s just the beginning. The Brazilian people are asking for a renewal,” said Marta before gesturing towards her teammates. “There, is a renewal.”
At 37 and on a team packed with attacking talent good enough for any team in this World Cup, Marta had only played 20 minutes in Brazil’s first two games before starting against Jamaica. Up until very recently, that would have been unthinkable, but Marta would be the first to say that it’s because Brazil is getting better.
“I think I’m the only old lady [on this team]. Maybe [Tamires] is next to me,” joked Marta even as tears appeared in her eyes. “Most of them are girls who have a lot of talent who have a huge path ahead of them. It’s just the beginning for them. I’m done here, but they’re still here. And you asked for a renewal, there is a renewal.
“I want people in Brazil to continue to have the same enthusiasm they had when the World Cup started, to continue to support. Because things don’t happen overnight. We’re seeing here teams that came to the World Cup and took seven, eight, 10 [years], and they’re playing just like the big teams. This shows that women’s soccer has been growing. This shows that women’s soccer is a product that gives profit, that gives enjoyment to watch.”
The six-time World Player of the Year is no stranger to a big speech, having signed off from the 2019 World Cup with emotional remarks urging young players to dedicate themselves to replace and even surpass the game’s legends.
This time, Marta — who shortly before the tournament confirmed that this sixth World Cup would be her last — spoke to fans, urging Brazilians in particular to back women’s soccer.
“Keep supporting,” urged the most prolific goalscorer in World Cup history (women’s or men’s). “There is no more World Cup for Marta. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had to play another World Cup. And I’m very happy with all that has been happening in women’s soccer in Brazil and the world. Keep supporting. Because for them, it’s just the beginning. For me, it’s the end of the line now. Thank you.”
Watch Marta’s emotional speech
"Keep supporting. Because for them it's just the beginning. For me, it's the end of the line now. Thank you."
Marta's passionate postgame speech will give you chills ❤️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/RfqyqOHY0N
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
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