Brazil’s Marta weighs motherhood against 2027 World Cup dream

Agency :

Brazilian soccer legend Marta believes it is “too early” to decide whether she will play at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WC) on home soil, saying she holds a “very strong” desire to become a mother.

Brazil will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, becoming the first South American nation to do so.

During the June 24-July 25 tournament, all eyes will be on their prolific forward Marta, a six-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, who will be 41 years old at the time of the tournament.

Although Marta initially announced her international retirement last year after their silver medal achievement at the Paris Olympics, she made a comeback for the national team in May this year and is part of their ongoing Copa America Femenina campaign.

No longer feeling the weight of pressure to prove herself, Marta says she wants to enjoy every moment of playing the sport, taking it one day at a time.

“I don’t know whether I’ll still be playing in 2027 or whether I’ll be fit. It’s too early to say that I’m definitely going to play. I still have a very strong desire to be a mother,” Marta told Brazilian media Globo’s Esporte Espetacular TV program on Sunday.

“So, I might wake up one day and decide to call my doctor to see if it’s still possible. If it is, then bye, I have to go.”

Marta Hopes Brazil Can Throw A ‘Beautiful Party’
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 119 goals, Marta has played at six World Cups, making her debut in 2003. However, she is yet to win a World Cup, coming closest in Brazil’s runner-up finish at the 2007 edition in China.

Marta, who became the first player in world football to score in five World Cups during the 2019 tournament, added that regardless of her participation in the 32-team tournament, she hopes for her country to host a memorable World Cup.