The Orlando Pride re-signed their captain and free agent Marta to a two-year deal through the 2026 season, the team announced Thursday.
In October, Marta told The Athletic the plan was to play “at least two more years,” though she was uncertain if she would still be in Orlando for them. Ahead of the 2025 season, that uncertainty can finally be put to rest.
Marta, 38, retired from international soccer in 2024, concluding her run with Brazil with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, the third of her career. Now, in the final stages of her professional career — though with no firm ending date set — Marta will find out how many more trophies she can add to her already-stuffed cabinets.
After the Pride won the NWSL Shield and Championship last season, 2024 ended as one of, if not the best, club seasons of Marta’s lengthy career. Between her rejuvenating partnership with teammate Barbra Banda and pushing herself closer to goal, she scored nine goals during the regular season and another two during the playoffs — including the instant classic, highlight-reel goal she produced against the Kansas City Current.
“This is a team where everybody works for each other, where everyone believes in each other, and I’m so excited to continue this journey with this club,” Marta said in a statement. “Last year we proved everyone wrong and did something so special, as a team, and that’s why I’m so happy to have the opportunity to sign for two more years.
“Personally, it also means a lot to me that I will reach 10 seasons as an Orlando Pride player, a special number for me as I have worn the No. 10 jersey most of my career.”
Marta has been with the Pride for all but the inaugural season, and beyond serving as the team’s captain, has fashioned the club’s record book in her name. Since joining the club in 2017, she has led the Pride in appearances (128), goals (42) and assists (19).
Last season, Marta was also a finalist for the league’s MVP and Midfielder of the Year awards and was named to the NWSL Best XI and the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s World XI. While not for a NWSL goal, she also won the inaugural edition of a FIFA award for the best goal in women’s football, named after her.
Two things were clear at the championship in Kansas City: The Pride were already working to re-sign Marta during free agency, but also that her role on the team goes far beyond what she can produce on the pitch or even her leadership in the locker room. She has seen every version of the club, from its toughest days to lifting the trophy at CPKC Stadium — and sets the tone for everyone.
“(Marta) remembers the hard times. She remembers when we were the laughingstock of the league,” Pride coach Seb Hines said ahead of the championship. “Now, she’s enjoying it. Now, everything’s coming together. We’ve got a great culture. We’ve got great players here. We’ve got structure within the top to the bottom now, and so she probably just reminds herself of, like, what it was like before, and just enjoying every single moment of what it’s like now.”
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(Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck / Imagn Images)
