Brazilian legend Marta breaks down in tears after being sent off in final Olympic tournament

Brazilian legend Marta broke down after receiving a straight red card for a reckless foul in the final Olympic group match against Spain.

Brazilian legend Marta breaks down in tears after being sent off in final Olympic tournament

Brazilian skipper Marta was given a red card against Spain, as she was left in tears. (via IMAGO)

Brazilian women’s team legend Marta broke down in tears, after being sent off during their final Olympic group-stage match against Spain. The 38-year-old forward received a straight red card during first-half stoppage time for a reckless foul.

Marta was dismissed in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time for a foul on Spanish star Olga Carmona. Her boot connected with Carmona’s head in a failed attempt to clear the ball. The Orlando forward walked off the field in Bordeaux in tears, pleading with the referee to overturn the decision. Marta was inconsolable after the incident and will miss the next match.

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Moreover, Brazil lost the match as they had to play without their prolific forward for the entire second half. Goals from Spain’s Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas sealed the match for the reigning world champions. Despite the defeat, Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals in third place and will face host France next. However, Marta could return to action if the team reaches the semi-finals, hoping to conclude her career with her only Olympic medal.

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The red card could have ended Marta’s career on a disappointing note, as she had previously announced this would be her last international tournament. The Brazilian captain is yet to win an Olympic medal or a World Cup title.

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Brazilian skipper Marta’s international career over the years

Widely considered the greatest women’s footballer of all time, Brazilian legend Marta Vieira da Silva has recently announced her decision to retire following the Paris Olympics. She holds the national team records for both most goals (119) and most appearances (200).

Marta Brazil legend
Brazilian women’s team legend Marta will retire after the end of the 2024 Olympics. (via IMAGO)

With 17 goals in six World Cups, she is the highest scorer in WC history. Marta led Brazil to the final of the 2007 Women’s World Cup, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. Although she earned silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, her victories with Brazil have been limited to the Pan American Games and Sudamericano Femenino titles.

In addition to her contributions to the Brazilian national team, Marta was named FIFA World Player of the Year six times, consecutively from 2006 to 2010, with her most recent award in 2018.

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