December 21, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Orlando Pride News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Pride and forward Marta have agreed to a two-year deal, signing the player to the Pride through the 2024 season, with Allocation Money used in the signing. The 36-year-old looks to add to an already historic career in her upcoming seventh season with the Pride.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Marta back with the Pride. As we looked at building our roster, there was never any question that we wanted to have her continue as part of our project, not only for her abilities on the pitch, but her mentality, values and leadership embody the culture we want in our locker room,” Head Coach Seb Hines said. “We know last season’s injury was a difficult one, but she has been working extremely hard toward her recovery and we know she will have a point to prove when she returns in 2023. We can’t wait for her to add to her historic career here, in Orlando, as a member of the Pride.”
Marta had her 2022 season cut short with the Pride after suffering an ACL injury against the North Carolina Courage in just the second match of the Challenge Cup. Since joining the Club in 2017, the Brazilian international has made 84 appearances and recorded a Club-leading 27 goals – seven of those game-winners – to go along with 14 assists while donning the Pride kit.
“I’ve been very happy during my time here in Orlando and I’m excited to continue as part of the Pride for the next two years,” Marta said. “The Club and community have become my family here in the United States, so it makes me smile knowing I will get to continue as part of that. I’m very excited for the future we are building for the Pride and can’t wait to return to the field next year, play alongside my teammates, and fight for a championship for our fans.”
On the international stage, Marta is the only women’s player to be named FIFA World Player of the Year six times, and the lone player – men’s or women’s – to win five in a row. She also holds the record for most career goals at the FIFA World Cup with 17 for Brazil and is the first player in the sport’s history to score at five different World Cup tournaments. In 2021, she also became the first player to score in five-consecutive Olympic Games. With the Seleção, Marta has amassed 179 international caps and is the federation’s all-time leading scorer with 119 goals, more than Pele, Neymar and Ronaldo, among others.
In addition to her five FIFA…