Marta Vieira da Silva, universally known simply as Marta, is a Brazilian forward who emerged from the northeastern state of Alagoas before beginning her senior career with Vasco da Gama. After moving to Sweden to join Umeå IK in 2004, she developed into the world's outstanding women's footballer. Her close control, dribbling, creativity, acceleration and exceptional left foot made her one of the defining players in the history of the sport.
Marta won the FIFA World Player of the Year award five consecutive times from 2006 to 2010 and added a sixth world player award in 2018. After starring for Umeå IK she played professionally in the United States before returning to Sweden with Tyresö FF and FC Rosengård. She joined Orlando Pride in 2017 and later captained the club to the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in 2024. She remained with Orlando into the 2026 season.
For Brazil, Marta became one of the most influential players in international football history. She won both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and became the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer with 17 goals. After initially stepping away from international football following the 2024 Olympic Games, she returned for the 2025 Copa América Femenina and helped Brazil win the tournament, scoring three goals including two in the final.
