Soccer has always been a popular game, with billions of fans worldwide. Recently, one really inspiring part of the game has been the steady rise of women’s soccer. Whereas it was once seen as a poor relation to the men’s game, it is now getting the recognition it deserves. It is also seeing people show women players the respect they deserve as top-level athletes. These factors, combined with more investment into women’s soccer, have helped the women’s game to be in better shape than ever before.
Sports betting has also helped bring more people into the women’s game and brought it a lot more attention than before. As sportsbooks now carry more women’s matches to bet on, people become more familiar and more interested in this side of soccer. If you like to bet on matches, just remember to find the best sports bets of the day by shopping around at different sportbooks. Doing this will help you find the best bets to place and hopefully profit from your betting.
Role models are also important in sports and this is certainly true for women’s soccer. Having top players like Megan Rapinoe or Lucy Bronze to look up to is key for bringing more young girls through. When it comes to iconic female players though, the name of Marta usually crops up. But is she the best female soccer star ever?
Marta – a Brazilian soccer icon
As Pele or Roberto Carlos have been iconic figures in men’s soccer from Brazil, Marta is just as legendary a figure for female soccer fans. Born in 1986, Marta Vieria da Silva has enjoyed a very successful career to date. She is currently playing for the Orlando Pirates in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League. As you would expect, she plays for Brazil when on the international stage. Over the years, her immense talent has resulted in her becoming generally accepted as the best women’s soccer player ever.
But why is this?
Stats don’t lie!
As with all sports, looking at the greatest women soccer players ever and deciding which one is best can be tough. Often, it comes down to what players have achieved in their career. On the evidence of this alone, Marta stands out as the best ever.
While playing for Brazil, she holds the record for being the country's top goal scorer, among both men and women, with 112 goals. She also holds the record for most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup, again among both men and women, with 17. Additionally, she became the first man or woman to score at five FIFA World Cups plus the first female player to find the net at five Olympic Games.
At club level, Marta’s achievements are even more stunning. The UEFA Women’s Cup win in 2004 with Umea IK is just one example. Marta has also been named FIFA World Player of the Year six times — five of them consecutively from 2006 to 2010. She also has 10 league titles to her name from playing around the world. In addition to all this, she also has hundreds of goals and appearances to her name.
Playing style
To be the GOAT, winning medals and awards is not enough. The best-ever players have a magic about them, a swagger which means people cannot take their eyes off them. Marta fits the bill here and then some. Her eye for goal is unmatched and her dribbling ability is simply breath-taking. She is also a great passer of the ball and very intelligent in her movement. With decent pace and agility too, she really does have it all. We cannot not forget her work rate, will to win, and desire to improve either. All these factors combine together to make her the best women’s soccer star ever.
Impact on women’s game
Players who end up being recognised as true greats usually transcend the sport they play. Marta is certainly someone who transcends soccer and who has made people take the women’s game more seriously. Once they see just how good she is, they realise that female players have just as much ability as men. The magical moments Marta serves up have also helped bring more fans and media attention to the game. With the new 3-year WSL broadcast deal also helping, it spells a bright future for female soccer.
Marta is the greatest ever for women’s soccer
When you bring together her skill, her impact on the game and her achievements, it is clear that Marta is the best female soccer star ever. While there will no doubt be someone who eclipses her in the future, for now she is the number one choice.
