Brazil great Marta misses out on Olympic gold again as the U.S. stops her once more, marking the end of an illustrious international career after 185 appearances, which included six World Cups and six Olympic Games.
Despite her remarkable journey, Olympic gold remained elusive.
At 38, Marta had declared that the Paris Games would be her final major tournament with the national team. Unfortunately, her hopes for a fairy-tale finish were dashed when Brazil faced a narrow 1-0 defeat against the United States in the Olympic final, leaving her with yet another silver medal.
This loss felt all too familiar for the six-time world player of the year, as the U.S. has consistently posed a significant barrier to her aspirations on the international stage.
Adding Paris 2024 to her previous disappointments in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, Marta and her team have faced the Americans in the quest for gold on three separate occasions.
Three silver medals stand as the pinnacle of her international achievements, alongside a runner-up medal from the 2007 World Cup. Despite her extraordinary talent and a record 119 goals for Brazil, she was unable to secure a major international title.
Yet, she came remarkably close.
Her teammates were undoubtedly eager to help her achieve that elusive gold in Paris, especially after a tumultuous tournament for Marta personally.
She experienced tears of despair when a red card against Spain almost ended her Olympic hopes in the group stage. Joy followed as she cheered from the stands during Brazil’s shocking victory over host nation France in the quarterfinals, only to face frustration again when her appeal for a reduced suspension was denied, forcing her to miss the semifinal match.
Emotional scenes unfolded as she embraced Brazil’s coach, Arthur Elias, on the field after the final match, receiving applause from the crowd as she left the stage.
Marta expressed her desire to pass the torch to the next generation, feeling optimistic about the future of Brazilian soccer following their performance in France.
Her teammates honored her legacy by giving her one last chance at gold, though her absence from the starting lineup against the U.S. suggested a shift in her influence on the team.
Players like Gabi Portilho, Adriana, and Ludmila showcased Brazil’s offensive strength.
Despite dominating chances in the first half against the U.S., they struggled to find the finishing touch that had propelled them past world champion Spain in the semifinals.
In the 61st minute, it was finally “Marta time.” With Brazil trailing following Mallory Swanson’s goal, coach Elias called upon the national icon.
Cheers erupted from the Parc des Princes as fans celebrated the soccer legend. Anticipation filled the air after her first touch and again as she prepared for a late free kick just outside the box.
However, it was Adriana who nearly leveled the score, her header saved by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in stoppage time.
As the final whistle blew, it marked the conclusion of Marta’s quest for international glory.
She quickly comforted teammate Angelina near the halfway line, sharing heartfelt embraces with coaching staff members.
Marta congratulated the U.S. players and joined her teammates in expressing gratitude to the fans who had longed to see their hero achieve gold.
Her Olympic journey, which began at just 18 years old in Athens, concluded with yet another final and another medal—just not the one she so desperately sought.
