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5 of The Greats to Watch at The Women’s World Cup

By Caden Charpentier

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates scoring a goal that was later ruled offside during the 2023 Cup of Nations Match between Australian Matildas and Spain at CommBank Stadium on February 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates scoring a goal that was later ruled offside during the 2023 Cup of Nations Match between Australian Matildas and Spain at CommBank Stadium on February 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) /
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FRISCO, TX – FEBRUARY 22: Marta #10 of Brazil during a game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX – FEBRUARY 22: Marta #10 of Brazil during a game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

3. Marta

Country: Brazil
Club: Orlando Pride

The 37-year-old Orlando Pride forward exudes greatness. No player has found the back of the net more frequently in the World Cup than Marta. With 17 goals in five World Cups, Brazil’s No. 10 has scored three more goals than Birgit Prinz, and Abby Wambach. Since 2003, nobody has worn the Brazilian colors with more pride than Marta.

With seven goals and five assists in the 2007 World Cup, Brazil’s No. 10 nearly led her nation to a world title, falling just short in the final. During that tournament, she scored one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament in against the United States, making a fool of Tina Ellertson on the wing.

The former Rosengård forward became the first player in 2021 to score in five consecutive Olympic Games. The Brazilian began her career in 2000, and 23 years later she is still going strong for both club and country. She is a sheer warrior who recently battled back at 36 years of age from a torn ACL to sign a two-year extension with Orlando. Her play-making abilities from the flanks and unmatched leadership will be vital to the success of the Brazilians down under.

The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year has made over 170 appearances for her home country while finding the back of the net 115 times. Marta has slowly worked her way back from her ACL in club play with the Pride, playing in four 90-minute matches across all competitions.

Every legendary career comes to an end at some point. This is the last time the world will have a chance to see Marta on a stage as large as the World Cup. Legends like Brazil’s No. 10 don’t come around every day. She deserves nothing less than to go out on a positive note whether that is winning the World Cup or not.

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