Marta's inspiration for the next generation

Speaking exclusively to FIFA, players from several nations at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup shared their admiration for the Brazil icon.

The young stars of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ are already looking forward to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. The prospect of seeing Marta grace the global showpiece once again – this time on home soil – is particularly special for those who grew up inspired by The Queen.

U-20 players from around the world have told FIFA what Marta means to them. The Brazil legend featured at the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship – the competition now known as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ – in 2002 and 2004 before going on to establish herself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Marta | Record-breaker | All FIFA Women's World Cup™ GoalsMarta | Record-breaker | All FIFA Women's World Cup™ Goals

Watch all the Brazilian legend's goals at the showpiece tournament.Watch all the Brazilian legend's goals at the showpiece tournament.

Brazil: Ana Morganti****Brazil: Ana Morganti

Wherever you go in Brazil, mention women’s football and people talk about Marta. That says so much about her. I think it’s heartbreaking for everyone to imagine a day when Marta is no longer playing.

Brazil: Clarinha****Brazil: Clarinha

I used to watch her picking up individual accolades and always tell myself that one day I’d be there too. I’d do anything to play alongside her for Brazil, just as I’ve always dreamt of doing, and I’d give everything on the pitch to put that elusive Women’s World Cup trophy in her hands.

Brazil: Evelin****Brazil: Evelin

She represents every girl in the country, and we’re going to keep working hard to follow in her footsteps. It’d be so special to play alongside her, to laugh, have fun and work together. I want to make that dream of meeting her at Brazil 2027 come true. I want to give her a hug and tell her that she’s a role model for all of us.

Brazil: Gio Canali****Brazil: Gio Canali

Marta is synonymous with football, and football with Marta. The legacy she’s leaving in the women’s game will never be forgotten – not in Brazil or anywhere else in the world.

Canada: Annabelle Chukwu****Canada: Annabelle Chukwu

She’s done so much for the women’s game. Growing up, there weren’t as many female football icons, so seeing what she’s been able to do for the sport, not only for women but for men as well, allows people like me to dream big. She’s definitely somebody that I look up to.

Colombia: Luisa Agudelo****Colombia: Luisa Agudelo

She’s incredible. I think she’s pure magic. Obviously, it hurts to think that this might be her last World Cup, but I know she’s given so much to women’s football.

England: Lola Brown****England: Lola Brown

The amount of time she’s been at the top and everything she’s done for women’s football is incredible; she helped give the women’s game visibility and enabled young girls to pursue it. When I was younger, I read a children’s book about Marta. It was one of the first women’s books I’d read, so that really inspired me.

France: Romane Rafalski****France: Romane Rafalski

Marta is undoubtedly a legend of the game, especially in Brazilian football. She’s one of the first great players to have enjoyed such a long career and produced so many memorable moments along the way. Her journey is something I can draw inspiration from because she’s had a really incredible career, achieved so much and done a lot for women’s football.

New Zealand: Pia Vlok****New Zealand: Pia Vlok

I think she really paved the way for so many of us younger players and the next generation, so we all had someone to look up to. It’s really important to have a strong female role model.

Spain: Cristina Libran****Spain: Cristina Libran

She’s had an incredible career. All of us look up to her and many other players at that level. It’s sad for the women’s game that this could be her last World Cup. But she’s already shown everything she’s capable of, so now it’s about savouring every moment and making the most of watching Marta for as long as we can. I hope she can enjoy it too.

USA: Kennedy Fuller****USA: Kennedy Fuller

Marta is one of the greats. She’s one of the players we looked up to as young girls, back when the women’s game wasn’t as big as it is today. We saw the passion, confidence and creativity she brought to the game, and that’s what every player wants to take on to the pitch every time they play. Her amazing and beautiful career is so inspiring to me. I’ve actually been able to play against her, and she’s just such an amazing person. It’s up to the younger generations to continue to grow this beautiful game that she really helped take off.

Tickets - FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™Tickets - FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™Prepare to book your place at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ by registering interest todayPrepare to book your place at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ by registering interest today

Register Now