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Nicknamed Pele with skirts by the legend himself, Marta Vieira da Silva . Marta once claimed shes could play with the men at the highest level, and after watching just one of her matches, it’s hard to argue with that.
In the last decade, Marta has become one of the most decorated female soccer players of all time. There is just one notable absent mark from her resume, and that’s the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Brazil begins its quest for the title on Wednesday against Korea.
Here’s what you need to know about Brazil’s top star:
1. Marta Began at Vasco de Gama At Age 14, Team Shut Women’s Program Down In 2001
Like many Women in Brazil, Marta faced a tough climb to gain respect in her home country. Her upbringing was like most — she came from an underprivileged family and played on the streets — and found a home at Vasco de Gama in her teenage years. However, after just two years, the program dissolved and Marta was forced to go abroad to continue her career.
Her next move was to Sweden, where she tormented defenses for Umea IK. Already one of the top clubs in the world, Umea added Marta and the club won two Champions League titles. Marta scored 111 goals in 103 goals for the team.
Marta returned home for two different spells at Santos, but in a recurring theme for women’s soccer the club went bankrupt in 2012.
2. Has 91 Goals in 92 Caps For Brazil
Marta in her first World Cup in 2003 for Brazil. (Getty)
Marta made her international debut in 2002 at just 16 years old, and was on the squad for the 2003 World Cup
Marta appeared in the international spotlight in 2007, when she led all scorers with seven goals to earn MVP honors. Brazil was defeated in the final 2-0 by Germany despite Marta’s best efforts.
USA Forward Abby Wambach has the international scoring record with 182 goals in 228 matches.
3. Won Female Player Of The Year 5 Straight Years From 2006-2010
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The FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award was established in 2001 after the success of the 1999 World Cup. Behind her success in Sweden, Marta first won the award in 2006 at age 20 while at Umea.
Marta has finished in the top three in voting for 11 straight years.
4. Will Play In 4th World Cup For Brazil In 2015
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Marta is part of a group of veteran Brazilian players who have appeared in multiple World Cups. In fact, teammate Formiga was chosen for the sixth time in 2015. Only 29 years old, Marta has a chance to earn six call ups, too.
To date, Marta has 14 goals in 14 World Cup finals matches. In the last World Cup, Brazil was eliminated on penalties by the United States.
5. Makes $400,000 Per Year at FC Rosengård
Marta (L) playing for Tyresso in 2014. (Getty)
Marta has spent the last three seasons playing her professional soccer in Sweden. First she signed with Tyreso in 2012 before making the switch to Rosengard in July, 2014 when Tyreso went bankrupt.
Marta has dominated the Swedish league during that time, scoring 28 goals in 42 matches. She led Tyreso to the Champions League final in 2014 and Rosengard hasn’t lost a match since she made the switch.
Her salary of $400,000 is among the highest for females in the sport. Of course, the highest paid male stars make that in about two weeks.