Yahoo Sports Marta signs 2-year extension to remain with Orlando Pride
The Brazilian soccer star was out of contract following a 2024 season that saw the Pride win the NWSL title
Orlando Pride captain Marta will remain with the club after signing a two-year extension, the team announced on Thursday.
“Coming off the most successful season in our Club’s history and, personally, one of the best of her professional career, re-signing Marta was a key business priority for us during this offseason,” Pride vice president of sporting operations and sporting director Haley Carter said in a statement. “The impact she has made on our team, our locker room and our community is evident, of course through her incredible skill as a player, but even more so through her selfless and exemplary leadership style. We are thrilled to have secured her as a member of the Pride for the next two years and look forward to seeing what more we will accomplish during her tenure.”
The 38-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been with the club since 2017.
An announcement on Marta's future was teased on Wednesday night, with many believing that the international star, who scored 119 times in 204 appearances with Brazil, would be announcing her retirement.
The video that the Pride posted on Thursday morning showed an emotional Marta speaking to the club's fans, leading the viewer to believe she was moving on ... until the cut to a dancing Marta exclaiming, "I'm staying home!" with fireworks going off in the background.
From @martavieiras10, with love 💜 pic.twitter.com/fNB3BH9iPs
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) January 9, 2025
The Pride are coming off a 2024 season where the franchise claimed its first NWSL Shield and NWSL championship in only its second playoff appearance. Marta scored 11 times — her highest total since her first season in Orlando — during the regular season and twice more during the postseason, where they defeated the Chicago Red Stars, Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit.
Marta's play during the 2024 season led to her being named a finalist for both league MVP and Midfielder of the Year. She was also named to NWSL Best XI First Team and the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s World XI.
Marta joined the Pride in 2017 and has played in 128 games, scoring 42 goals and recording 19 assists. Representing Brazil, she played in six World Cups and scored a record 17 goals. She also appeared in five Olympics, helping Brazil win two silver medals.
In April, she announced her retirement from international play.
