Amid a currently undefeated season with the first-place Orlando Pride and high-profile retirements from Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair, Brazilian superstar Marta said she plans to play professional soccer for at least two more years.
“I don’t know if I’m gonna be in Orlando. But my thought is like, play at least two more years,” she told The Athletic. Her current contract with the Pride is up after the 2024 season.
Marta has scored seven goals and recorded two assists in 19 games this season, and the Pride are seven points clear of second-place Washington Spirit, whom they face on Sunday. If they win, they will clinch the NWSL shield, awarded to the team with the highest regular season point total.
In 2023, Marta had four goals, all from penalties, and played a more central attacking midfield position. This season, head coach Seb Hines has moved Marta higher on the field to play alongside Barbra Banda.
“To run after Barbra, you need to work hard. You need to be in good shape,” Marta joked by way of explaining the energy she has exhibited on the field this year.
This has been a season of revitalization for Marta, who won a silver medal with Brazil at the Olympics in France before retiring from international soccer. “I won’t walk away from football. I want to…