Marta Vieira da Silva, popularly known simply as Marta, is widely regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time. Her extraordinary dribbling skills, remarkable goal-scoring ability, creativity, and leadership have transformed women’s football and inspired millions of young players across the globe. Throughout a professional career spanning more than two decades, Marta has represented some of the world’s top clubs and has become the face of Brazilian women’s football.

Often referred to as the “Queen of Football,” Marta has broken numerous records, won multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and represented Brazil in several FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. Her achievements have helped elevate women’s football to new heights while making her one of the most respected athletes in sports history.

This detailed biography explores Marta’s early life, football journey, club career, international achievements, playing style, records, personal life, and lasting legacy.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Marta Vieira da Silva
Popular Name	Marta
Date of Birth	February 19, 1986
Age	40 Years (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil
Nationality	Brazilian
Profession	Professional Footballer
Position	Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Current Club	Orlando Pride
National Team	Brazil Women’s National Team
Height	1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
Preferred Foot	Left

Early Life

Marta Vieira da Silva was born on February 19, 1986, in the small town of Dois Riachos, located in the Brazilian state of Alagoas. She grew up in a modest household where financial resources were limited, but her passion for football was limitless.

From a very young age, Marta loved playing football on the streets with neighborhood children, most of whom were boys. Despite facing social challenges and limited opportunities for girls in football, she never allowed obstacles to stop her from pursuing her dream.

Her remarkable determination, natural talent, and dedication quickly distinguished her from other young players and eventually opened the door to professional football.

Birth and Childhood

Growing up in rural Brazil, Marta experienced a childhood very different from many modern football stars.

She often played barefoot on dirt fields, using improvised footballs and practicing whenever she had free time. These early experiences helped develop her incredible ball control, creativity, and confidence in one-on-one situations.

Even as a child, coaches recognized her extraordinary talent and believed she had the potential to become a professional footballer.

Family Background

Marta was raised primarily by her mother after her father left the family when she was very young.

Although life was challenging, her family always encouraged her passion for football despite the lack of professional opportunities available for women in Brazil during that period.

Parents

Her mother played a crucial role in supporting Marta throughout her childhood.

Despite financial difficulties, she encouraged Marta to continue playing football and pursue her ambitions.

Marta has often credited her mother for giving her the confidence and determination needed to succeed.

Growing Up in Brazil

Football is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, and Marta grew up surrounded by the sport.

She admired legendary Brazilian footballers and dreamed of representing her country on the international stage.

Her early experiences playing street football helped shape the creative playing style that would later make her famous worldwide.

Education

Like many young athletes, Marta balanced her education with football during her childhood.

However, as her football career developed rapidly, much of her focus shifted toward professional training and competitive matches.

Her life experiences ultimately became her greatest education, teaching resilience, discipline, and leadership.

Football Journey

Marta’s journey to becoming the greatest female footballer in history was built through years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

Her rise from a small town in Brazil to international superstardom remains one of football’s most inspiring success stories.

First Interest in Football

Marta fell in love with football at an early age.

Unlike many girls of her generation, she regularly played against boys, helping her develop exceptional technical ability and confidence.

She quickly became known for her speed, creativity, and fearless style of play.

Youth Career

As Marta’s talent became increasingly obvious, she joined organized youth football where coaches immediately recognized her extraordinary potential.

Her performances attracted attention from professional clubs despite the limited structure of women’s football in Brazil during the 1990s.

Local Football Development

Playing in local competitions helped Marta improve every aspect of her game.

She refined her:

Dribbling
Ball control
Shooting
Passing
Decision-making
Creativity

These technical qualities would later become her trademark.

Joining Vasco da Gama

One of the most important moments in Marta’s early career came when she joined the youth setup associated with CR Vasco da Gama.

The move provided professional coaching and exposed her to a much higher level of competition.

Her performances confirmed that she possessed exceptional talent capable of competing internationally.

Professional Club Career

Marta has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful club careers in women’s football history.

Her ability to adapt to different leagues and countries has demonstrated both her technical brilliance and professionalism.

Senior Debut

Marta made her professional debut while still a teenager.

Despite her young age, she immediately impressed with her speed, dribbling ability, and confidence in attacking situations.

Her performances attracted interest from clubs outside Brazil, beginning an international career that would span several countries.

Early Professional Career

After establishing herself in Brazil, Marta continued her development by moving abroad.

Competing in stronger leagues accelerated her growth and allowed her to challenge herself against many of the world’s best players.

Her willingness to embrace new cultures and playing styles became one of the reasons for her long-term success.

Success in Sweden

Marta’s move to Sweden transformed her career.

Playing for clubs such as Umeå IK, she developed into one of the world’s best footballers.

Her performances included:

Winning league championships
Scoring consistently
Providing assists
Dominating European competitions
Receiving individual awards

Sweden became the place where Marta established herself as a global superstar.

Career in the United States

Following her success in Europe, Marta continued her professional journey in the United States.

She represented several clubs in American professional leagues, consistently demonstrating world-class performances.

Her ability to influence matches through goals, assists, and leadership made her one of the league’s biggest stars.

Orlando Pride

Joining Orlando Pride marked another important chapter in Marta’s remarkable career.

Even after many years at the highest level, she continued to perform with exceptional consistency while mentoring younger teammates and helping promote women’s football around the world.

International Career

Representing Brazil has been the defining chapter of Marta’s legendary career. After rising through local football in Brazil, she earned her first call-up to the Brazil Women’s National Team as a teenager. Her pace, creativity, technical brilliance, and fearless attacking style immediately caught the attention of coaches and football fans around the world.

Over the next two decades, Marta became the face of Brazilian women’s football. She represented her country in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups, Olympic Games, Copa América Femenina, and other international tournaments, inspiring generations of young footballers while helping Brazil remain one of the strongest teams in women’s football.

Brazil Youth Teams

Unlike many modern players, Marta’s rise to the senior national team happened quickly because of her exceptional talent. Her performances at youth level convinced national team selectors that she was ready for international football.

Even during her teenage years, she displayed maturity, confidence, and technical quality well beyond her age.

Early International Recognition

Her performances in domestic competitions earned national attention and opened the door to representing Brazil internationally. Coaches immediately recognized her extraordinary dribbling ability and attacking intelligence.

Transition to Senior Football

Marta adapted to senior international football remarkably quickly. She became an important player for Brazil while still very young and established herself as one of the team’s primary attacking threats.

Brazil Senior National Team

For more than twenty years, Marta has been one of the most influential footballers in the history of the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Her leadership, experience, and consistency helped Brazil compete against the world’s strongest nations while inspiring millions of supporters across South America and beyond.

FIFA Women’s World Cup

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has played a central role in Marta’s career.

She has represented Brazil in multiple editions of the tournament, consistently producing memorable performances and scoring crucial goals.

One of her greatest achievements came when she became the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, surpassing previous records and establishing herself as one of football’s greatest tournament performers.

Her World Cup performances have included spectacular dribbles, long-range goals, assists, and leadership during high-pressure matches.

Olympic Games

Marta has also represented Brazil in numerous Olympic Games.

She helped Brazil win Olympic silver medals, demonstrating her ability to perform against the world’s strongest international teams.

Although an Olympic gold medal has remained elusive, her performances have consistently ranked among the best in the tournament.

Copa América Femenina

Marta has played a major role in Brazil’s dominance of the Copa América Femenina.

Her creativity, goal-scoring ability, and leadership helped Brazil win multiple continental championships while strengthening the country’s reputation as one of the world’s elite women’s football nations.

Playing Style

Marta is widely regarded as one of the most gifted attacking players in football history. Her style combines Brazilian flair with exceptional technical ability, creativity, and clinical finishing.

She has the rare ability to decide matches through individual brilliance while also creating opportunities for teammates.

Dribbling Ability

Marta’s dribbling is considered one of the greatest strengths of her career.

She frequently beats defenders through quick footwork, close ball control, and explosive acceleration.

Her ability to change direction at speed makes her extremely difficult to defend.

Creativity and Vision

As both a forward and attacking midfielder, Marta consistently creates scoring opportunities.

Her accurate passing and football intelligence allow her to unlock even the strongest defensive systems.

Goal-Scoring Ability

Throughout her career, Marta has scored goals in almost every possible way.

She is capable of finishing with:

Her left foot
Her right foot
Headers
Free kicks
Long-range shots
Penalties

Her versatility makes her one of the most complete attacking players in football history.

Leadership

Although famous for her technical brilliance, Marta is equally respected for her leadership.

She motivates teammates through experience, professionalism, and determination, making her an outstanding captain and role model.

Strengths

Marta’s greatest strengths include:

Exceptional dribbling
Outstanding ball control
Creativity
Vision
Clinical finishing
Speed
Agility
Leadership
Tactical intelligence
Big-match mentality

Areas for Improvement

Throughout her career, Marta has continually adapted her game as she gained experience. As she entered the later stages of her career, she focused more on positioning, game management, and creating chances for teammates rather than relying solely on speed.

Career Statistics

Marta has built one of the most remarkable statistical records in football history.

Club Statistics

Across clubs in Brazil, Sweden, the United States, and other countries, Marta has consistently delivered goals and assists while competing at the highest level.

Approximate Club Record

Competition	Appearances	Goals
Brazilian Competitions	60+	35+
Swedish League	120+	110+
American Leagues	220+	95+
Domestic Cups & International Competitions	90+	45+
Total	490+	285+

International Statistics

Marta has represented Brazil for more than two decades and remains one of the nation’s greatest players.

Approximate International Record

Team	Appearances	Goals
Brazil Women’s National Team	200+	120+

Major Honors and Titles

Marta’s career is filled with both team trophies and individual recognition.

Club Honors

Throughout her club career, Marta has won numerous domestic championships and cup competitions.

Major achievements include:

Swedish Damallsvenskan titles
Swedish Cup titles
American league honors
Domestic championships in multiple countries

Her consistency has made her one of the most decorated club players in women’s football.

International Honors

Representing Brazil, Marta has won:

Copa América Femenina
Pan American Games Gold Medal
Olympic Silver Medal
South American Championships

These achievements helped establish Brazil among the world’s leading women’s football nations.

Individual Awards

Marta has received more individual awards than almost any other female footballer.

Her major honors include:

FIFA World Player of the Year
FIFA Women’s World Player
FIFA The Best Women’s Player
Golden Ball awards
Golden Boot awards
IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker
South American Footballer of the Year
FIFPRO World XI selections

She has also been recognized by numerous international organizations for her contribution to football.

Records

Marta has broken countless records throughout her legendary career.

Among her most notable achievements are:

Record goalscorer in FIFA Women’s World Cup history.
One of Brazil’s most-capped footballers.
Winner of multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
One of the highest international goal scorers in women’s football.
Widely known as the “Queen of Football.”
One of the first global superstars of women’s football.

Net Worth

Marta’s extraordinary career has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in women’s football.

Salary

Throughout her professional career, Marta has earned competitive salaries while playing in Europe, the United States, and Brazil. Contract details have varied throughout her career and are not always publicly disclosed.

Brand Endorsements

Her global popularity has attracted partnerships with major international brands.

She has collaborated with companies involved in:

Sportswear
Football equipment
Health and fitness
Lifestyle products
Social impact campaigns

Other Income Sources

Additional income comes from:

Sponsorship agreements
Commercial appearances
Brand collaborations
Speaking engagements
Performance bonuses

Her estimated net worth is widely reported to be in the multi-million-dollar range, although exact figures have not been officially confirmed.

Personal Life

Away from football, Marta is admired for her humility, professionalism, and commitment to expanding opportunities for women in sport.

Family

Marta has often spoken about her mother’s sacrifices and support during her childhood. Despite growing up with limited financial resources, her family encouraged her dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Relationships

Marta has occasionally shared aspects of her personal life publicly while maintaining respect for her privacy. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on football and charitable work.

Lifestyle

Outside football, Marta enjoys:

Spending time with family
Traveling
Fitness training
Community outreach
Promoting women’s football
Supporting youth development programs

Interesting Facts

Marta is known worldwide as the “Queen of Football.”
She grew up playing football barefoot in Brazil.
She became Brazil’s greatest female football icon.
She has played professionally in Brazil, Sweden, and the United States.
She has represented Brazil for more than two decades.
She holds the record for the most goals in FIFA Women’s World Cup history.
She has won multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
She has inspired millions of girls to play football.
She is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
She has received numerous international honors for her contribution to sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Marta?

Marta Vieira da Silva is a Brazilian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers in history.

2. What is Marta’s full name?

Her full name is Marta Vieira da Silva.

3. When was Marta born?

She was born on February 19, 1986.

4. How old is Marta?

She is 40 years old as of 2026.

5. Where was Marta born?

She was born in Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil.

6. Which country does Marta represent?

She represents Brazil.

7. What position does Marta play?

She primarily plays as a forward or attacking midfielder.

8. Why is Marta famous?

She is famous for being one of the greatest footballers in history and for her incredible achievements with Brazil and various club teams.

9. Why is Marta called the “Queen of Football”?

She earned the nickname because of her extraordinary success, individual awards, records, and lasting influence on women’s football.

10. Has Marta won the FIFA Women’s World Cup?

No. Although she has represented Brazil in multiple World Cups and holds several tournament records, she has not won the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

11. Has Marta won an Olympic gold medal?

No. She has won Olympic silver medals with Brazil but has not won a gold medal.

12. What is Marta’s height?

She is approximately 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) tall.

13. What is Marta’s preferred foot?

Her preferred foot is left.

14. What is Marta’s estimated net worth?

Her net worth is generally reported to be in the multi-million-dollar range, though exact figures have not been officially confirmed.

15. What are Marta’s biggest strengths?

Her dribbling, creativity, finishing, vision, leadership, and technical ability.

16. Which clubs has Marta played for?

She has represented clubs in Brazil, Sweden, and the United States, including Umeå IK, FC Gold Pride, Western New York Flash, Tyresö FF, Rosengård, and Orlando Pride.

17. How many World Cups has Marta played?

She has represented Brazil in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups across her career.

18. Is Marta active on social media?

Yes. She regularly shares football updates, training sessions, and charitable activities through her official social media accounts.

19. What is Marta’s greatest achievement?

Her greatest achievements include becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA Women’s World Cup history and winning multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

20. What is Marta’s legacy?

Marta is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Her extraordinary achievements, leadership, and influence have transformed women’s football and inspired generations of players worldwide.

Conclusion

Marta Vieira da Silva’s journey from a small town in Brazil to becoming the “Queen of Football” is one of the most inspiring stories in sports history. Through exceptional talent, relentless determination, and unwavering dedication, she has redefined what is possible in women’s football.

Her remarkable records, countless individual awards, and lasting impact on the global game have secured her place among football’s greatest legends. More than just a champion on the pitch, Marta has become a symbol of perseverance, equality, and inspiration for future generations.