Corinthians targets NWSL legend Marta as Orlando Pride star nears contract decision | OneFootball

Corinthians has an ambitious dream, which is already in the works: to bring Marta, the best player in the history of women's soccer, back to Brazil. The attacking midfielder, who played for Orlando Pride in the NWSL for eight seasons, still remains one of the greatest references in the sport worldwide. It is no surprise that Timão is trying with all its might to make the return of the star to Brazilian soccer a reality. But does this project go beyond conversations?

Interest of Corinthians and financial problems The head coach, Lucas Piccinato, and the director of Corinthians women's soccer, Iris Sesso, did not waste any words when talking about Marta on the club's official podcast, PoropoPOD. A dream is quite clear for both: to see one of the biggest stars in the sport wear the black-and-white jersey.

"Who doesn't want Marta on their team? I know she's a Corinthians fan, and we're doing everything we can," said Iris Sesso, underlining the burden of signing in the "Pelé of women's soccer."

The parallel is no hyperbole. At 38 years young, Marta is more than a technical reference, but a competitive and excellence example. The problem is her salary. At Orlando Pride, she has represented since 2017; the financial demands in this structure are much better when compared with those of Brazilian soccer. Therefore, Corinthians' board has already moved their influences to search for partners in a scheme which, according to them, will share the "Marta package," the same model worked with European soccer for Memphis Depay.

As no official offer has been made to her yet, the negotiations have not gone past the issues of financial viability and Marta's interest. The player has received proposals to renew her contract in the United States and from other clubs as well, but she has not yet discarded her return to Brazil.

Marta in the NWSL

Since her arrival at Orlando Pride, Marta has been the technical reference of the team in the NWSL. Even in a highly competitive league with big-name international players, she has lost none of her shine.

In the current season, the Brazilian has played 36 matches, scored 11 goals, and provided one assist. The performance is impressive-it's her second-best record since her arrival in Florida, consolidating her ability to make a difference even at 38 years old.

But it is not only her individual performance which stood out in 2023. After eight long seasons, Marta and Orlando Pride finally won an unprecedented title, closing an important gap in the player's trajectory. It was the icing on the cake for a lady who has already won UEFA Women's Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and been voted the FIFA World Player of the Year six times. To further seal her legacy, Marta also received the Marta Award—a tribute from the sport’s governing body for the most beautiful goal.

Even so, success in the NWSL doesn't appear to be Marta's final chapter. In comes the role of Corinthians, which offers not only the chance to close out her career in Brazil but also the strength of a passionate fan base and the opportunity to further boost women's soccer in the country that will host the next World Cup.

Marta's impact on Brazilian soccer

Marta has never played for Corinthians, the club she supports, but returning to Brazil—especially to a team that dominates the national women's soccer scene—could rewrite the sport's history in the country. Corinthians' women's team already has a collection of titles and one of the strongest infrastructures in South America. Adding Marta's name to the project would further raise the club's status and draw international attention.

It's not hard to think about the influence of Marta in the Brasileirão Feminino or the Libertadores, competitions where Corinthians is already strong. Outside the field, her presence would stir the interest of the public and attract sponsors.

A question remains over whether Orlando Pride will try to keep Marta in the NWSL, or whether another team from the league will hire the Queen. Meanwhile, Corinthians works to build a good project for the player to return home with financial and competitive security. This time, as the story goes different because Marta's contract will be finished soon, the wish to close two strong seasons.