Brazilian soccer legend Marta knew that this would be her final FIFA Women’s World Cup run with Brazil, but she undoubtedly hoped it would last a little longer than it did.
On Wednesday night, the legendary World Cup career of Marta officially came to an end when Brazil failed to advance outside of the group stage as Jamaica held them to a 0-0 scoreless draw when Brazil needed a win to advance.
Following the match, Marta made it clear that while she’s grateful for her entire career with Brazil, this is not what she had envisioned for her final World Cup.
“Marta ends up here,” Marta said, in Portuguese, in an on-field interview following the game’s conclusion, according to ESPN. “I am grateful for the opportunity I had, and very happy with everything that has been happening with women’s football in Brazil and the world.
“For me, it’s the end of the line now, for them it’s just the beginning. It is hard to talk. It wasn’t in my worst nightmares the World Cup I dreamed of.”
It’s a brutal end to a legendary career, and the soccer world had plenty to say about it on social media.
Beautiful: Moments after Brazil shocked and eliminated, their 6-time World Cup ace, Marta has the class to hug Jamaica’s star Bunny Shaw. No Man or Woman has scored more than Marta’s 17 World Cup goals. Here she passes Torch with Humility and Respect 🇧🇷🇯🇲🙌pic.twitter.com/WUkX4mlNj2
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) August 2, 2023
Marta has concluded her sixth and final World Cup. Her impact on this sport and Brazil is beyond immeasurable 🇧🇷
She remains the all-time leading World Cup scorer, men’s or women’s 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ZbLjwsvCO8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 2, 2023
MARTA’S WORLD CUP LEGACY went beyond her play on the pitch. She was also a next-level leader, as shown in this speech for the ages after Brazil lost to France at WC ’19. “Cry in the beginning so you can smile at the end” one of all-time great footballing lines. 🇧🇷💛💚 pic.twitter.com/UNxHr4iZD7
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 2, 2023
▪️ Six World Cup tournaments
▪️ All-time leading World Cup scorer, men’s or women’s (17)Marta bows out as a legend 👏🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/gC0maHDl6j
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 2, 2023
Marta and Cheyna Matthews share an emotional moment after the game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PFke3LFsyE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments won't be the same without the 🐐
Thank you for everything, Marta 🇧🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/YuMkqUTKb9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
Marta is a legend in the sport and it’s clear she earned a lot of respect.
[ESPN]
