Brazil legend Marta to retire from international duty with Paris 2024 Olympics selection up in the air

Brazil legend Marta will retire from international football this year after an illustrious career spanning over 20 years and includes six FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

The 38-year-old is Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer in both men’s and women’s football, and she confirmed her retirement in an interview with CNN Esportes S/A that airs on Sunday.

“This is my last year, and I can already confirm it here. There is a moment when we have to understand that the time has come,” Marta said.

She said that she is at peace with her decision given the promising future of Brazil’s national team and the pipeline of young, flourishing talent.

“I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes.

"We have a really qualified team with really talented girls who, as the years go by, you will see what I’m talking about.

"Because of this, I feel very comfortable saying: ‘Listen, I’m passing on to you, I’m going to pass on the baton and you continue to carry on this legacy'.”

She has played at five Olympics throughout her career, winning silver medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing in 2008, losing to the United States on both occasions.

"If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team," she told CNN in Brazil.

"There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete."

That departure was evident after her emotional farewell from the World Cup last year when Brazil failed to reach the knockout stage, saying “there is no more World Cup for Marta".

After their elimination, she tearfully told a room full of reporters: “We ask the new generation to continue where we left off: continue to inspire even more girls and boys, no matter what age they are.”

In January she received a FIFA Special Award after her more than 20 years of “stellar service to the sport.” And FIFA have also said they will introduce the “Marta Award” for the best goal scored in women’s football from 2025 onwards.

Though retiring from international duty, she remains contracted with the Orlando Pride, where she’s played since 2017. The side are undefeated this season.

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