Marta, the biggest star of Brazilian women’s football, was moved to learn that Brazil was chosen to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The star player, who currently plays for the Orlando Pride, celebrated the opportunity that Brazilian players will have to represent the national team in front of their own fans. Amidst her celebration, Marta made a special request: that the opening match of the competition be held in Rio Grande do Sul, instead of the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
“It was a natural choice. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played in Brazil in 2027. Playing a World Cup at home is the dream of so many girls in Brazil. That’s why I want to thank everyone who was part of this achievement, and we will continue to build the future that women’s football in Brazil, South America and the world deserves,” said the player.
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In addition to the celebration, Marta made an appeal for the opening match of the World Cup to be held in Rio Grande do Sul, in solidarity with the state, which recently suffered from heavy rains and floods.
“Unlike the last few weeks, today I woke up with excellent news and a reason to smile. I was very happy with the news and I am sure that the 2027 Women’s World Cup will be a success, and the Brazilian people, as always, will be with open arms to welcome the global football community! If possible, I would like the first match of the Brazilian national team to be in Rio Grande do Sul. The state of Rio Grande do Sul and the people of Rio Grande do Sul deserve it,” Marta wrote on her social media.
Southern Brazil asks for help
The tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul, caused by heavy rains and floods, motivated the player to make this request. Currently, the debut of the Brazilian women’s national team is scheduled for the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, but Marta hopes the location can be reviewed in consideration of the people of Rio Grande do Sul. The Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre is among the ten stadiums selected for the competition.
End of an era
In April of this year, Marta announced that she will retire from the Brazilian national team in 2024, after the Paris Olympics. She stressed that she will no longer defend the country on the field from next year on. Her farewell will mark the end of an era in Brazilian women’s football, but her legacy and influence will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
