There’s no name more synonymous with women’s football than the Brazilian’s and she’s widely regarded as the greatest female player of all-time.
Turning 31 today, Marta has already produced a stunning career that has seen her earn individual accolade after accolade.
She was named FIFA World Player of the Year five straight years from 2006 to 2010 and holds the record for most goals scored at a Women’s World Cup with 15, passing Birgit Prinz’s mark in the 2015 edition.
In leading Brazil to the final of the 2007 Women’s World Cup, Marta received the Golden Ball award for the top player in the tournament and the Golden Boot for top scorer. She also has silver medals won at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.
It’s no wonder then she’s drawn comparisons to another Brazilian great, Pele.
Other sport stars born on this day
1959: Roger Goodell, American NFL commissioner who, to put it mildly, is not the most popular figure (58).
1977: Gianluca Zambrotta, retired Italian Seria A and La Liga footballer and manager of Delhi Dynamos (40).
1980: Mike Miller, American NBA sharpshooter for the Denver Nuggets and two-time champion (37).
1993: Mauro Icardi, Argentine footballer for Seria A club Internazionale and the Argentina national team (24).
