Marta returns to Brazil’s national team for friendly matches against Japan

SAO PAULO: Marta is back.

The six-time world player of the year has returned to Brazil’s national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in Sao Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she’ll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet.

The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the US.

She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, who won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year.

“Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion,” Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. “Her presence in some callups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.”

The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa America, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil are the defending champion.

“She’s a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I’ve already told her to retire when she’s about 45, around there. As long as she’s well, I’ll be encouraging her to continue with us,” Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. “And there’s no way we can be without Marta. I can’t see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she’s experienced in women’s football, and she needs to live this moment too.”

Marta has played in 185