Births on February 19

Marta, Brazilian footballer

Often hailed as "Pelé in skirts" by the legendary Pelé himself, and universally regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time, Marta Vieira da Silva, known simply as Marta (born February 19, 1986), is a Brazilian icon who has left an indelible mark on the sport. This phenomenal forward, holding both Brazilian and Swedish citizenship, currently dazzles fans for the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League and proudly represents the Brazil national team. Her career is a testament to skill, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement, setting benchmarks that redefine what's possible in football.

A Career Forged in Greatness: Records and Club Success

Marta’s illustrious career is punctuated by a series of unparalleled records. She stands as Brazil's undisputed top international goalscorer, transcending gender, with a staggering 115 goals for her national team. Her dominance extends to the sport's biggest stage, the FIFA World Cup, where she holds the record for the most goals scored by any player – male or female – with an incredible 17 goals. Furthermore, Marta etched her name in history as the first footballer of any gender to score in five different World Cup editions, a remarkable feat later matched by Christine Sinclair in 2019. Not content with just World Cup glory, she also became the first female footballer to find the net in five consecutive Olympic Games, showcasing her consistent excellence over two decades at the highest level.

Beyond the international stage, Marta has enjoyed considerable success at club level. Her journey through European football saw her triumph with Swedish club Umeå IK, securing the prestigious UEFA Women's Cup in 2004. Her time in Sweden was particularly fruitful, as she contributed to seven Swedish league championships while playing for various top-tier teams in the country, demonstrating her ability to impact and elevate every squad she joined before making her way to the United States and the NWSL.

Individual Accolades and Olympic Glory

Marta’s individual brilliance has been recognized with the sport's most coveted awards. She has been named the FIFA World Player of the Year an astonishing six times, a testament to her sustained period of dominance. Five of these accolades were won consecutively from 2006 through 2010, cementing her status as the world's best for half a decade. Her most recent triumph came in 2018, proving her enduring quality and impact. On the Olympic stage, Marta was a pivotal member of the Brazilian national teams that earned silver medals at both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing her leadership and skill in major international tournaments.

Her talent was evident from a young age; she was awarded the Golden Ball (MVP) at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. Building on this early promise, the 2007 Women's World Cup saw her shine even brighter, where she not only led Brazil to the final but also claimed both the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player and the Golden Boot award as its top scorer, truly announcing her as a global superstar.

Beyond the Pitch: Advocacy and Global Recognition

Marta's influence transcends the football field, making her a powerful voice and figurehead for various important causes. In January 2013, her iconic status was further underscored when she was appointed as one of the six Ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted in her home country of Brazil. She stood alongside an esteemed group of football legends, including Amarildo, Bebeto, Carlos Alberto Torres, Ronaldo, and Mario Zagallo, amplifying her role in promoting the global spectacle. Around the same time, her life and career were highlighted in the 2013 Sveriges Television documentary series, "The Other Sport," bringing her story to a broader audience.

Her impact was celebrated on a global scale during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where Marta was among the privileged eight individuals selected to carry the Olympic Flag during the opening ceremony, a profound honor in her home nation. More recently, the Secretary-General of the United Nations recognized her global reach and commitment to societal improvement by appointing her as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) advocate. As one of 17 advocates, Marta plays a crucial role in promoting the 17 global goals established with the ambitious aim of making the world a better place, leveraging her immense profile to champion environmental, social, and economic progress.

FAQs About Marta Vieira da Silva

Who is Marta Vieira da Silva?

Marta Vieira da Silva, commonly known as Marta, is a Brazilian professional footballer and widely regarded as the greatest female player of all time. She plays as a forward for the Orlando Pride and the Brazil national team.

When was Marta born?

Marta was born on February 19, 1986.

What significant records does Marta hold?

Marta holds several world records, including being Brazil's top international goalscorer (115 goals) of either gender, holding the record for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup tournament (17 goals, women's or men's), and being the first footballer of any gender to score at five World Cup editions, as well as the first female to score at five consecutive Olympic Games.

How many times has Marta won the FIFA World Player of the Year award?

Marta has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times, including five consecutive wins from 2006 to 2010, and again in 2018.

Has Marta won an Olympic gold medal?

While Marta has led Brazil to two Olympic silver medals (2004 and 2008), she has not won an Olympic gold medal.

What notable clubs has Marta played for?

Marta has played for several prominent clubs throughout her career, including Umeå IK in Sweden, where she won the UEFA Women's Cup, and currently plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.