Brazil’s all-time main scorer Marta has been recalled to the squad for the primary time since final yr’s Olympic ultimate for a pair of friendlies in opposition to Japan, coach Arthur Elias introduced on Tuesday when naming the 39-year-old.
Marta, extensively considered one of many biggest girls gamers of all time, had introduced that she would retire from worldwide obligation following the 2024 Video games in Paris, the place the striker claimed a 3rd Olympic silver medal.
However the Orlando Pleasure participant is again within the squad as Brazil put together to defend their Copa América title this yr.
Marta prolonged her membership profession earlier in 2025 by signing a two-year contract extension with the NWSL staff, scotching hypothesis she was set to hold up her boots for good.
“I used to be with Marta lately and spoke together with her. She stated she is offered to assist the staff whereas she is enjoying at a excessive stage, as she is now,” Elias advised reporters. “Marta has had an important season and has been essential for her membership, which is the American League champion.
“Her presence in some call-ups is essential for the youthful gamers, for the renewal that’s happening within the nationwide staff.”
Marta will be part of Brazil regulars like Orlando Pleasure’s Angelina, Kansas Metropolis’s Debinha and Manchester Metropolis’s Kerolin, whereas Elias additionally appears to rejuvenate his squad forward of the 2027 World Cup by together with rising abilities like goalkeeper Claudia and defender Isa Haas.
“We actually need expectations to rise for the ladies’s nationwide staff and for soccer in our nation,” Elias added. “That is the work we suggest and hope that this evolution can actually proceed, though it’s all the time a problem, as a result of we practice little or no with the gamers, we modify many gamers to actually give them alternatives.”
Brazil host Japan on Could 30 and June 2, with the ultimate squad for the July 12-August 2 Copa América in Ecuador set to be introduced earlier than an away pleasant in opposition to France on June 27.
