The Brazilian soccer titan Pele ennobled compatriot Marta after her gala in the opening game of the Olympic Games in Japan. The 35-year-old, according to the three-time world champion, is “much more than just a footballer”, who with her talent contributes to a “better world”, “in which women get more space”.
Marta Vieira da Silva, as her full name is called, scored two goals in the 5-0 Brazilians against China in Rifu on Wednesday, so the six-time world footballer has scored in five summer games. “Your performance means a lot more than a personal record,” Pele, 80, wrote on Instagram: “This moment inspires millions of athletes from so many sports around the world battling for recognition.”
Like Pele, Marta wears the number ten on the back of the Brazilian national jersey. With the Selecao she won silver at the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing in 2004 and 2008. In 2007 she became vice world champion.