Orlando Pride announced today the signing of Brazilian forward Marta. But Marta is more than another new signing for the Pride. She’s more than another way to bulk up the offense or another leader to help lift up this team, although she is also those things. Marta is a legend. And bringing her on board proves the organization’s commitment to using their platform to grow the game and prove that they can be the best in the world.
The list of Marta’s accolades over her 17-year career appears endless. She’s won countless titles with her clubs, including winning the Damallsvenskan title with three different teams seven times. She was with Brazil when they were runner-ups to the World Cup title in 2007 and she led the team this year that competed for the bronze medal in her home country. She’s been named the FIFA World Player of the Year five times, and been nominated in the top three a total of 11 times.
Marta has played in the United States before, but has spent much of her career in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, one of the best women’s soccer leagues in the world. She’s competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She’s had a chance to play alongside and against some of the best players in the world.
When Marta decided to move back to the United States, she chose to come to Orlando.
This latest move shows Flavio Augusto da Silva is committed not only to growing his men’s side, but to making substantial investments in the women’s team as well. Decisions like this don’t just affect one squad or one organization-- it leads to the growth of the sport as a whole.
Without a doubt, Marta’s impact will be felt both on and off the field for the Orlando Pride. She’s a leader, she’s a fighter. She’s a revolutionary. She’s helped pioneer the women’s game to where it is today, and there’s no doubt that she will continue to help the game progress to higher levels of success. And this time, she’ll be doing it in purple.
