- Our #Sheroes series celebrates inspiring women in football
- Brazil legend Marta features in the latest instalment
- Her plea at France 2019 immediately became iconic
The biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup™ yet. The all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. The stage and player harmonised at France 2019 to deliver one of the most impassioned, unforgettable moments of the year.
During the group stage, talismanic Brazil forward Marta bagged her record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most of any player, man or woman. A Seleção fought valiantly in the knockout phase against hosts France, but bowed out in extra time. Shortly after being eliminated, the 33-year-old took full advantage of her platform during a post-match interview, imploring everyone watching to take her words to heart.
“This is what I ask of all Brazilian girls,” she said. “The future of women’s football is depending on you to survive. It’s wanting it more. It’s taking care of yourself more. It’s training more. It’s being ready to play 90 minutes and able to play 30 minutes more. Revere it more!
“There won’t be a Marta forever. Think about what I’m saying. Cry at the beginning so you can smile at the end.”
The wisdom of the words, the urgency of the delivery and the greatness of the messenger combined to produce a moment that reverberated around the globe. Marta’s speech looks poised to inspire women in football for generations to come.
Spotlight on the #Sheroes
Marta’s fiery, uplifting message to female footballers continues FIFA’s series on amazing women in football. Visit our Sheroes video section to check out the stories of seven other women that have inspired football fans around the world.
