Marta: “I have a lot of love for the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™”
The Brazilian forward, three-time South American champion, sees an increasingly tough competition for the women’s football title in 2025.
- She’s already won the tournament three times: 2003, 2010, and 2018.
- The legendary forward is the most experienced player on Arthur Elias’ Brazil squad.
“Football is a very democratic sport, it doesn’t matter who you are.” That’s how Marta describes everything the sport has given her, despite the challenges along the way.
At 39, the Dois Riachos-native reflects on her career, her impact on women’s football, and her memories in the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™, which she will compete in again with Brazil in 2025.
From an early age, she understood there was only one way to succeed: by proving herself with the ball at her feet.
– As a girl in Dois Riachos, did you already know you’d have to face prejudice? What was it like dealing with that at such a young age?
“I always had to take that rejection head-on. I knew I could play when I was about 7 or 8, and I felt that rejection from the start. I had to fight to be accepted by the boys, to show that a girl playing football is normal, and encourage other girls who wanted to play but feared sexist comments. It made me angry, but I turned that anger into motivation. I’d go to the field to show how strong I was. I had to dribble past the boys, score goals, prove I could play—there was no other option. I learned to be strong very early on.”
– In 2003, you played your first CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™ as a starter. How do you look back on your journey?
“Oh wow, that’s a long time! (laughs) But it was the beginning of everything. That tournament has always been very important to us. I was 17 and just starting with the senior team. I’d played a U-19 World Cup, but that was my first senior national team competition. Expectations were high—Brazil was even more of a favorite than today. Women’s football in South America was less developed, but Brazil was already ahead. We lived up to that status. I tried to soak in every moment of that competition, and even now I have so much love for the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™.”
Brazil’s matches at the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™
- Brazil vs Venezuela – July 13 at 7:00 p.m., Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda
- Bolivia vs Brazil – July 16 at 4:00 p.m., Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda
- Paraguay vs Brazil – July 22 at 7:00 p.m., Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda
- Brazil vs Colombia – July 25 at 7:00 p.m., Estadio Independiente del Valle
– In this 2025 edition, you’re playing alongside rising younger players. What is it like being an icon while playing with this new generation?
“I feel very motivated. Playing with them is a privilege after so many years. It’s also a challenge—these young players run a lot and force me to keep up. It’s like they pull me forward. I have to stay focused and show that no matter your age, you still have to deliver. I think nobody runs for Marta—everyone runs for the team. I love that because it challenges me mentally and physically. Women’s football is fast now: transitions, constant effort. You can’t be left behind.”
– You played in Ecuador in 2010 and are returning 15 years later. How does the Marta of then compare to today’s Marta?
“In 2010 I had just won my fifth Ballon d’Or. But the hunger and responsibility were the same. I knew people watched because I was the best in the world. I go back now with that same will—to show that even at my age, I can still perform well. That’s why I’m on the team: I still want more, and my hunger to win is the same. When I stop feeling that emotion and nerves before matches, then I’ll know it’s time to step away.”
– This might be your last CONMEBOL Copa América™. How do you prepare for a farewell to a tournament so tied to your history?
“Oh, Jesus! (laughs) I’ve learned not to predict the future and to live in the moment. If it is my last tournament, it’s even more important to stay focused—to work hard, savor each training session, each moment with teammates and coaches. Am I going to be in the next edition? I don’t know. I prefer to focus on now, make the most of this competition, and hopefully win another title. I want to go home proud, knowing I gave it my all—Brazil is the most successful in the tournament’s history, and we need to keep that focus.”
