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Marta: Football great issues plea to next generation after bowing out of Women's World Cup

Dimitri Kondonis
Updated

Brazil legend Marta has issued an emotional plea for youngsters to follow her generation’s example.

The 33-year-old icon scored a penalty against Italy in Group C of the Women’s World Cup to become the highest scorer, male or female, in FIFA World Cup history.

During her time with the national team, Brazil finished World Cup runners-up in 2007 as well as silver medals at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008.

But after her team were knocked out of the 2019 tournament by hosts France, a 2-1 defeat after extra time, she begged the younger generations to push women’s football forward.

Brazil's Marta opens her arms at the end of the Women's World Cup round of 16 soccer match between France and Brazil at the Oceane stadium in Le Havre, France, Sunday, June 23, 2019. France beat Brazil 2-1. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Marta and Brazil were eliminated from the 2019 World Cup on Sunday. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marta Vieira Da Silva of Brazil sings the national anthem alongside her team-mates prior to the start of the Women's World Cup 2007 Final between Brazil and Germany at Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium on September 30, 2007 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Marta lines up before the Women's World Cup 2007 Final between Brazil and Germany in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 30: (L-R) Marta of Brazil is honored with the adidas golden ball, Birgit Prinz of Germany is honored with the adidas silver ball and Christiane of Brazil is honored with the adidas bronze ball after the Women's World Cup 2007 Final match between Brazil and Germany at the Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium September 30, 2007 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Marta is honored with the adidas golden ball, Birgit Prinz of Germany claims the silver ball and Christiane receives the bronze ball in the 2007 World Cup. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

"Women's football depends on you to survive," she said, with tears in her eyes. "Think about it, value it more.

"We're asking for support, you have to cry at the beginning and smile at the end.

"It's about wanting more, it's about training more, it's about looking after yourself more, it's about being ready to play 90 minutes and then 30 minutes more.

"So that's why I am asking the girls. There's not going to be a Formiga forever, there's not going to be a Marta forever, there's not going to be a Cristiane."

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