Exciting Update for Orlando Pride Fans as Marta Postpones Retirement Plans

Imagine waiting seven years to win your first league title. You watch your club struggle and see teammates leave, all while still clinging to the thin glimmer of hope that things would turn around one day. For soccer icon Marta, that hope finally paid off when she led Orlando Pride to their first-ever NWSL title. Since joining the club in 2017, the 38-year-old has been a joy to watch. Moreover, she allayed the fears of the fans as she didn’t plan on retiring soon. 

That’s right Orlando fans! Your ‘pride’ possession revealed that she still plans on playing for a couple of years before hanging up her boots. During the 2024 campaign, her 11 goals were instrumental in the Orlando side finishing on top of the table in the regular NWSL season. Speaking to ESPN Brasil, the ‘female Pele’ revealed that she plans to hang around the soccer scene until the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

“I’m living a magical moment in my career. I never imagined at 38 years old I would be feeling good, playing well, winning titles,” said Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer who hasn’t lost her charm and still looks to be in her prime. “Situations like this motivate you and I have in mind to continue playing for another two years,” she added.

While Marta’s chances of playing in the 2027 World Cup are slim, she wants to contribute to the team from the sidelines. Fans cannot wait to see the Brazilian on the pitch one last time, as she will have another chance at a fairytale ending, considering how the 2027 World Cup takes place in her home country. 

Many still regard her as the greatest female footballer of all time and her laureates back up that claim. Named FIFA World Player of the Year on six occasions, she became the first footballer to score at five different World Cups, a feat later matched by Christine Sinclair and Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, with a delay in her retirement party, what’s next for Marta?

Back to the beginnings for Marta?

In soccer, there’s a widespread trend for players once they receive veteran status. They go back to their first club, where it all started. And for Marta, she signed a contract with Orlando back in 2022, which ran through the 2024 season. With no talks of an extension perhaps, she’ll return home to play the beautiful game. 

Marta started her senior professional career playing for Vasco da Gama back in 2000. That’s right, she’s been the face of women’s soccer for more than 2 decades. She’s also played for the likes of Umeå IK, Santos, Tyresö, and FC Rosengård, just to name a few. 

It’s heartbreaking to see the no.10 play knowing that one day will be her last. While Orlando fans are hoping the icon continues in the NWSL, only time will tell where the Brazilian is headed next.