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Fox News
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Marta Hopes to Lead Brazil to Copa América Title After Coming Out of Retirement
It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national soccer team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn't quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has come out of retirement and is playing for Brazil at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. The Brazilians have won eight titles in the premier women's tournament for South America. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even though Marta had stepped away from the national team, Brazil coach Arthur Elias pulled her back in late May for a pair of friendly matches against Japan. Marta started in another Copa América tune-up match against France in late June. Marta said she's just living in the moment. "My work doesn't change, the feeling doesn't change, the pride doesn't change, the desire to help the team doesn't change, and it never will, regardless of whether I'm playing or not," she said in a news conference when she was brought back. "But the way I'm facing things, not only here in the team, but I think in my day-to-day life, is a different way. I'm aware that I don't have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it." Before last year's Paris Games, Marta said she would be retiring from the national team after the Olympics to make way for the next generation of players. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to the United States in the final. But she continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, she scored 11 goals with the Pride, who won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. Overall, Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. She's played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. The nation has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but a gold medal has remained out of reach. Marta started in Brazil's Copa América opener, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, then came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. Next up is a match against Paraguay on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). She has said she'll accept any role that Elias gives her, realizing that Brazil has a host of talented young players, including 25-year-old Kerolin, who plays professionally for Manchester City, and 22-year-old Luany, who plays for Atlético Madrid. But there's also an elephant in the room: the Women's World Cup is coming to Marta's home country in 2027. Previously, Marta said she didn't see herself playing in it — she'd be 41 — but she hasn't exactly ruled out the possibility either. "The coach has always made it very clear that he'll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age, and I think that the way he's doing it is the most correct way," she said. "There's no point in coming here and saying, 'I'll be playing in the World Cup in two years.' It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that's why I'm thinking this way today and living one day at a time." She may also have another plan for her future. "I still have a very strong desire to be a mother, so maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it's still possible," she said in a recent interview with Globo's Esporte Espetacular. "If it is, bye, I have to go now." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!


The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Brazil Stars Slam Copa America Over Poor Warm-Up Areas
BRAZILIAN players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa America in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm-up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch Images circulated on social media, before Brazil's dominant victory over Bolivia in their second Group B match on Tuesday, showed players from both teams warming up side-by-side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. According to the tournament regulations, the measure was implemented to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosts two matches in a day during the group stage. Marta, who returned from international retirement to participate in the continental tournament, voiced her frustration over the situation. 'It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances,' the 39-year-old striker told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. 'Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation. 'There wasn't enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. 'This is a problem for us because it's very hot inside, on top of the altitude. We hope that CONMEBOL changes some things and improves the situation.' Coach Arthur Elias echoed Marta's concerns, emphasizing that the conditions pose risks to players. 'We shouldn't have to demand that those responsible for football do their job, just as the players do on the pitch and I do as a coach,' he said. 'The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot ... This is crucial for the players' health and for the match, because when both teams don't warm up on the pitch, they take longer to get going.' Midfielder Ary Borges directed criticism at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, highlighting the disparity between men's and women's tournaments. 'Even amateur matches are better organised than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint,' she said. 'I think we had an example of this with the Men's Copa America, with its huge infrastructure. Why is the women's tournament having to deal with this kind of thing? 'This is something he needs to address, as president. I think we deserve better.' CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters- REUTERS

The Hindu
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Brazil legend Marta hopes to win another Copa America Femenina after coming out of retirement
It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national football team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn't quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has come out of retirement and is playing at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. The Brazilians have won eight titles in the premier women's tournament for South America. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even though Marta had stepped away from the national team, Brazil coach Arthur Elias pulled her back in late May for a pair of friendly matches against Japan. Marta started in another Copa América tune-up match against France in late June. Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. | Photo Credit: Jean Carniel Marta said she's just living in the moment. 'My work doesn't change, the feeling doesn't change, the pride doesn't change, the desire to help the team doesn't change, and it never will, regardless of whether I'm playing or not. But the way I'm facing things, not only here in the team, but I think in my day-to-day life, is a different way,' she said in a news conference when she was brought back. 'I'm aware that I don't have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it.' Before last year's Paris Games, Marta said she would be retiring from the national team after the Olympics to make way for the next generation of players. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to the United States in the final. ALSO READ: World champion Spain ends dream run of Switzerland to enter semifinals of Women's EURO 2025 But she continued to play for her club team, Orlando Pride, in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, she scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. Overall, Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. She's played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. In 2019, Marta became the highest scorer in #FIFAWWC and #FIFAWorldCup history, tallying 1️⃣7️⃣ goals. 💫 — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 18, 2025 The nation has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but a gold medal has remained out of reach. Marta started in Brazil's Copa América opener, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, then came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. Next up is a match against Paraguay on Tuesday. She has said she'll accept any role that Elias gives her, realising that Brazil has a host of talented young players, including 25-year-old Kerolin, who plays professionally for Manchester City, and 22-year-old Luany, who plays for Atlético Madrid. But there's also an elephant in the room: The Women's World Cup is coming to Marta's home country in 2027. Previously, Marta said she didn't see herself playing in it — she'd be 41 — but she hasn't exactly ruled out the possibility either. Marta has played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. | Photo Credit: REUTERS 'The coach has always made it very clear that he'll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age. And I think that the way he's doing it is the most correct way,' she said. 'There's no point in coming here and saying, `I'll be playing in the World Cup in two years.' It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that's why I'm thinking this way today and living one day at a time.' She may also have another plan for her future. 'I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it's still possible,' she said in a recent interview with Globo's Esporte Espetacular.

5 days ago
- Sport
Marta hopes to lead Brazil to a Copa América Femenina title after coming out of retirement
It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national soccer team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn't quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has un-retired and is playing for Brazil at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. The Brazilians have won eight titles in the premier women's tournament for South America. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even though Marta had stepped away from the national team, Brazil coach Arthur Elias pulled her back in late May for a pair of friendly matches against Japan. Marta started in another Copa América tune-up match against France in late June. Marta said she's just living in the moment. 'My work doesn't change, the feeling doesn't change, the pride doesn't change, the desire to help the team doesn't change and it never will, regardless of whether I'm playing or not. But the way I'm facing things, not only here in the team, but I think in my day-to-day life, is a different way," she said in a news conference when she was brought back. 'I'm aware that I don't have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it.' Before last year's Paris Games, Marta said she would be retiring from the national team after the Olympics to make way for the next generation of players. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to the United States in the final. But she continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, she scored 11 goals with the Pride, who won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. Overall, Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. She's played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. The nation has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but a gold medal has remained out of reach. Marta started in Brazil's Copa América opener, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, then came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. Next up is a match against Paraguay on Tuesday. She has said she'll accept any role that Elias gives her, realizing that Brazil has a host talented young players, including 25-year-old Kerolin, who plays professionally for Manchester City, and 22-year-old Luany, who plays for Atlético Madrid. But there's also an elephant in the room: The Women's World Cup is coming to Marta's home country in 2027. Previously, Marta said she didn't see herself playing in it — she'd be 41 — but she hasn't exactly ruled out the possibility either. 'The coach has always made it very clear that he'll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age. And I think that the way he's doing it is the most correct way,' she said. 'There's no point in coming here and saying, `I'll be playing in the World Cup in two years.' It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that's why I'm thinking this way today and living one day at a time.' She may also have another plan for her future. 'I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it's still possible,' she said in a recent interview with Globo's Esporte Espetacular. 'If it is, bye, I have to go now.'


Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Marta hopes to lead Brazil to a Copa América Femenina title after coming out of retirement
It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national soccer team. HT Image Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn't quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has un-retired and is playing for Brazil at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. The Brazilians have won eight titles in the premier women's tournament for South America. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even though Marta had stepped away from the national team, Brazil coach Arthur Elias pulled her back in late May for a pair of friendly matches against Japan. Marta started in another Copa América tune-up match against France in late June. Marta said she's just living in the moment. 'My work doesn't change, the feeling doesn't change, the pride doesn't change, the desire to help the team doesn't change and it never will, regardless of whether I'm playing or not. But the way I'm facing things, not only here in the team, but I think in my day-to-day life, is a different way," she said in a news conference when she was brought back. 'I'm aware that I don't have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it.' Before last year's Paris Games, Marta said she would be retiring from the national team after the Olympics to make way for the next generation of players. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to the United States in the final. But she continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, she scored 11 goals with the Pride, who won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. Overall, Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. She's played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. The nation has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but a gold medal has remained out of reach. Marta started in Brazil's Copa América opener, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, then came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. Next up is a match against Paraguay on Tuesday. She has said she'll accept any role that Elias gives her, realizing that Brazil has a host talented young players, including 25-year-old Kerolin, who plays professionally for Manchester City, and 22-year-old Luany, who plays for Atlético Madrid. But there's also an elephant in the room: The Women's World Cup is coming to Marta's home country in 2027. Previously, Marta said she didn't see herself playing in it — she'd be 41 — but she hasn't exactly ruled out the possibility either. 'The coach has always made it very clear that he'll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age. And I think that the way he's doing it is the most correct way,' she said. 'There's no point in coming here and saying, `I'll be playing in the World Cup in two years.' It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that's why I'm thinking this way today and living one day at a time.' She may also have another plan for her future. 'I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it's still possible,' she said in a recent interview with Globo's Esporte Espetacular. 'If it is, bye, I have to go now.' ___ AP soccer: