Born: 1986 (Dois Riachos, Brazil)
Biography:
Marta Vieira da Silva, known as Marta, was born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, a small town in the Alagoas state of Brazil. From a young age, Marta displayed exceptional talent and a deep passion for football. She began playing the sport at the age of seven and quickly stood out as a prodigious talent in her local community. Marta’s skills caught the attention of Brazilian female coach Helena Pacheco when she was only 14 years old. Pacheco recognized her immense potential and decided to mentor Marta, guiding her towards a professional career in football.
In 2000, Marta made her professional debut with Vasco da Gama, a renowned Brazilian football club. Her performances on the field were nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her incredible speed, dribbling abilities, and goal-scoring prowess. It became clear to everyone that Marta was destined for greater achievements in the world of football.
After two successful years with Vasco da Gama, Marta transferred to Santa Cruz, a small club in the state of Minas Gerais. She continued to impress with her exceptional skills, leading Santa Cruz to several victories. Marta’s success caught the attention of Umeå IK, a Swedish club, who signed her in 2004.
Marta’s move to Umeå IK turned out to be a turning point in her career. She quickly became a key player for the team, leading them to numerous victories and honours. In her first season with Umeå IK, Marta helped the team reach the final of the UEFA Women’s Cup, a remarkable feat for a relatively young player. At just 18 years old, she showcased her match-winning abilities and helped Umeå IK clinch the title.
Throughout her time with Umeå IK, Marta established herself as one of the best footballers in the world. Her incredible skills and natural talent enthralled audiences around the globe. Marta’s speed, agility, and technical abilities made her virtually unstoppable on the field. She consistently scored goals and created scoring opportunities for her teammates, earning her a reputation as a fearsome forward.
Marta’s success at the club level was mirrored by her achievements on the international stage. She represented Brazil in multiple editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Olympics, and other prestigious tournaments. Marta’s impact on the field was undeniable, and she became an integral part of the Brazilian national team.
In 2007, Marta played a pivotal role in leading Brazil to the final of the Women’s World Cup. She showcased her exceptional skills and determination, winning both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot awards. Marta’s performances solidified her status as one of the best players in the world and elevated women’s football to new heights.
Marta’s impact on women’s football extended beyond her achievements on the field. She became a symbol of inspiration and empowerment for women and girls around the world. Marta’s success shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female footballers. Her dedication, talent, and unwavering passion inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and break barriers in a male-dominated sport.
Recognizing her immense contributions to women’s football, Marta received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named the FIFA World Player of the Year six times, with five of those awards being consecutive from 2006 to 2010. In 2018, she received her sixth FIFA World Player of the Year award, solidifying her status as the greatest female footballer of all time.
Marta holds several impressive records. With 115 goals, she is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. She also holds the record for the most goals scored in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, with an impressive tally of 17 goals. Furthermore, Marta was the first footballer, regardless of gender, to score in five different World Cup editions and five consecutive Olympic Games.
Off the field, Marta was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a Sustainable Development Goals advocate. She joins a select group of individuals dedicated to making the world a better place through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Marta’s commitment to using her platform for positive change exemplifies her character and dedication to making a difference beyond the world of football.
Marta’s achievements and impact on women’s football have left an indelible mark on the sport. Her skill, determination, and unwavering passion have inspired generations of aspiring footballers and elevated the status of women’s football in the global sporting landscape. Marta’s legacy as the greatest female footballer of all time is secure, and her journey continues to inspire and empower women around the world.
Awards:
– FIFA World Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018
– Golden Ball (MVP) at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship
– Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 2007 Women’s World Cup
– UEFA Women’s Cup winner with Umeå IK in 2004
– Seven Swedish league championships with various clubs in Sweden.