Marta Proves She’s Still the Queen | OneFootball

Marta is greatness personified in women’s soccer; that’s not up for debate. But until now, the Brazilian queen had never hoisted the NWSL trophy. That all changed spectacularly in 2024 when, at 38 years old, she helped Orlando Pride claim their first-ever league title. After a dramatic final against the Washington Spirit, settled 1-0 thanks to a strike from goal-scoring machine Barbra Banda, Marta finally put the cherry on top of her legendary career.

At 38, in a league buzzing with young stars and athletes at their physical peak, Marta showed the world that age is just a number. Her season stats? Jaw-dropping: 26 games, 11 goals, 1 assist, 52 key passes, and 42 successful dribbles. Unreal, right? But stats only tell half the story. What truly amazed everyone was how she led her team, on and off the pitch, with a sense of purpose and passion that can’t be measured.

The final was one of those nail-biting matches where every touch of the ball felt like it could change everything. Orlando and Washington went head-to-head in a tense battle, but in the end, it was Banda’s goal that sealed the deal for the Pride. Even so, Marta’s presence was impossible to ignore. She may not have scored the winner, but her leadership and skill were the invisible hands guiding her team. It was like she was the maestro of an orchestra, conducting the game with precise long passes and movements that left the opposing defense spinning.

Since joining the NWSL, Marta has been a beacon for women’s soccer, a guiding light both on and off the field. In Orlando, she’s become more than just a player; she’s a role model. Her influence goes beyond goals and assists. And let’s be honest, the Orlando Pride deserved this title. After years of struggling to find their footing in the league, they finally struck the perfect balance this season, a blend of rising stars like Banda and iconic veterans like Marta.

You can’t talk about Marta without talking about time. At 38, she’s playing like she’s 25 but with the wisdom of someone who’s seen it all. She’s living proof that talent isn’t defined by age. While many players wind down their careers or call it quits at this stage, Marta is busy writing chapters most can only dream of.

Her 11 goals this season weren’t just numbers on a sheet. They were moments that left fans in awe. Add her dribbling skills, her knack for creating chances, and even her long-ball accuracy, 72% success rate, by the way, and you see a player who isn’t just good "for her age." She’s just flat-out good, period.

So, does this title mark the final chapter in Marta’s story? Honestly, I hope not. Sure, she’s already achieved just about everything soccer has to offer, but who says she has to stop? With the way she’s playing, it wouldn’t be shocking to see her crush another season or even chase a second title with Orlando Pride. And if she does decide this is the perfect moment to step away from the NWSL, her legacy is set in stone. She didn’t just win; she inspired.