SAO PAULO — Brazilian soccer legend Marta wore the captain’s armband for Brazil in her first start for the national team since the previous year’s Paris Olympics. Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Japan in a thrilling friendly match held in São Paulo. In the initial game of the doubleheader against Japan, Marta had come off the bench as a second-half substitute and contributed to Brazil’s 3-1 win last Friday.
Three days after that match, the 39-year-old icon began playing and took on the captaincy role at Estádio Cicero de Souza Marques, participating in the action for 73 minutes. She was then substituted by Jhonson, who promptly netted the winning goal just six minutes afterward.
Marta, heralded as one of the greatest women’s soccer players in history, had previously announced plans to retire from international duties following the Olympic Games. Despite her announcement, she continued competing at the club level for Orlando Pride, which clinched the National Women’s Soccer League title last season, securing Marta’s services through a contract that extends until 2026.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian team is gearing up to defend its Copa America Femenina title, with the tournament scheduled to commence in July in Ecuador.