Who is Maria Sophia Nazário de Lima? That is the full name of Marta, the Brazilian footballer widely considered the greatest female player of all time. Born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, Alagoas, she has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times and holds the record for most goals in Women’s World Cup history.
From Dois Riachos to World Stardom: Key Career Milestones
Marta’s professional journey began in Brazil before she moved to Sweden in 2004 to play for Umeå IK. She led the club to multiple league titles and a UEFA Women’s Cup final. In 2006, she won her first FIFA World Player of the Year award, a feat she repeated in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and again in 2018. She also received the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2018. At the international level, she scored 17 goals across five World Cups (2003–2019), making her the all-time top scorer in the tournament’s history. She led Brazil to Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2008. In 2024, she announced her retirement from international football.
Who Benefits from Marta’s Legacy and Who Faces Challenges
Young female footballers benefit directly from Marta’s visibility. Her success has inspired a generation of players in Brazil and beyond, showing that women can achieve global recognition in the sport. Clubs like Orlando Pride, where she played in the NWSL until 2023, gained attention and credibility from her presence. However, the broader women’s football ecosystem still struggles with pay gaps and less media coverage compared to men’s football. Marta herself has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality, pushing for better conditions and investment. For fans, her career offers a benchmark of excellence, but it also highlights how few female players receive similar support and resources.
Common Misconceptions About Marta’s Name and Career
One frequent misconception is that Marta is a single-name star like Pelé. In fact, her full name is Maria Sophia Nazário de Lima, though she is universally known as Marta. Another myth is that she won the FIFA World Player of the Year every year from 2006 to 2018. The truth is she won it in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2018 — not consecutively through 2018. Some also believe she has won a World Cup, but Brazil’s best finish was runner-up in 2007. She has never won the tournament. Finally, people sometimes confuse her with Ronaldo Nazário, but they are not related; the shared surname is coincidental.
Practical Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Players
If you want to follow Marta’s path, focus on technical skills first. Her dribbling and speed were her trademarks, not just athleticism. Watch her game footage from Umeå IK and Orlando Pride to study her movement off the ball. For fans, the best way to support women’s football is to attend matches, buy merchandise, and follow leagues like the NWSL. If you are a young player in Brazil, look for local clubs that offer youth programs for girls — Marta started with a local team in Alagoas before being discovered. Also, follow her advocacy work; she has spoken at UN events and uses her platform to push for equal pay and investment in women’s sports.
| Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018 |
| Ballon d’Or Féminin | 2018 |
| Olympic Silver Medal | 2004, 2008 |
| Women’s World Cup Top Scorer | 17 goals (2003–2019) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Marta retire from international football?
Marta announced her retirement from the Brazilian national team in 2024, ending a career that spanned over two decades and included five World Cups. Public records covering this story are gathered in Ronaldo Nazário's Children: Meet Ronald, Alexander, Maria Sophia, and …
Why did Marta choose to play in Sweden early in her career?
She moved to Sweden in 2004 because Umeå IK offered her a professional contract with better pay and training conditions than were available in Brazil at the time.
How can I watch Marta’s best matches or highlights?
You can find official match footage on FIFA’s YouTube channel and NWSL archives. Many of her classic games from Umeå IK and the 2007 World Cup are available online.
What is Marta best known for in football history?
She is best known for holding the record for most goals in Women’s World Cup history (17) and winning six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, more than any other female player.
Is it true that Marta is related to Ronaldo Nazário?
No, that is a rumor. They share the surname Nazário but are not related. Marta’s full name is Maria Sophia Nazário de Lima, while Ronaldo’s is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.
