Brazilian icon Marta is not keen on a place at her country's 2027 World Cup, revealing she will call time on her glittering career after “a few more years”.
Marta turned 38 in February and is second only to Formiga in Brazil's all-time charts with 206 caps, while her 116 goals for the Selecao are unmatched by any player.
Despite her advanced age, she continued to impress on the domestic stage, helping the Orlando Pride win the National Women's Soccer League for the first time this year.
Marta scored 11 NWSL goals – a number surpassed by only three players – in the 2024 season, with those strikes coming on chances worth a total of 7.47 expected goals (xG).
That meant she outscored her underlying attacking figures by a greater margin than any other player in the competition.
Despite her longevity, Marta realizes that it will soon be time to hang up her boots, and in an interview with ESPN Brasil, she hinted that this moment will come before the 2027 World Cup.
“I have said several times that it is not my goal to play in the World Cup, but at the same time I want to continue contributing to the team,” said Marta.
“It has to be something natural, I have to earn it. It is not a goal as a player. Not that I don't feel capable of playing, but we are talking about 2027.”
“I want to play for a few more years. But I want to play in a light way, and not have the burden that I have carried all my life playing for the club and the national team.
“I am living a magical moment in my career. I never thought that at the age of 38 I would feel good, play well and win titles. Situations like this motivate you and I plan to continue for two more years to play.”
Brazil defeated a joint bid from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands to win the hosting rights for the 2027 tournament, while the United States and Mexico withdrew a joint bid to focus their efforts on hosting the next edition in 2031.
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