Marta

Marta Vieira da Silva, universally known as Marta, is the most decorated goalscorer in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup, with 17 goals across five tournaments from 2003 to 2023. That record also made her the leading scorer across both the men's and women's competitions combined, surpassing Miroslav Klose's 16 goals for the men's game. That combined record stood until Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria at the 2026 men's World Cup on 22 June, reaching 18 to move past her. The moment drew widespread recognition of her achievement and renewed attention on her legacy.

Born in Dois Riachos, Alagoas in 1986, Marta came from poverty and overcame significant social barriers to become Brazil's greatest footballer. She became the first player of any gender to score at five consecutive World Cups and the first to score five penalties in the women's tournament. Six FIFA World Player of the Year awards across the 2000s and early 2010s confirmed her sustained dominance. Her club career has spanned Brazil, Sweden (Umea IK, Rosengard) and the United States (FC Gold Pride, Western New York Flash, Orlando Pride), where she became a figurehead of women's football's growth.

Marta's significance extends well beyond statistics. In Brazil, she has fought for equal resources and recognition for the women's game throughout her career, speaking publicly after losses with emotional addresses to younger players that have become defining moments in women's football culture. The 2026 men's World Cup passing of her combined scoring record, FAR from diminishing her legacy, brought her renewed global recognition.