Brazil legend Marta was shown a straight red card in what could be her final major tournament appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday.
Earning her 200th cap for Brazil, Marta was dismissed in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time after her boot connected with the head of Spain’s Olga Carmona in a failed clearance attempt.
The score at the time was level at 0-0.
The prolific goal scorer, with 119 international goals, was inconsolable after the challenge. The 38-year-old has stated her intent to retire from international football this year, meaning this could potentially have been her final outing in a Brazil shirt.
With Brazil going into the game sitting third in Group C, behind Spain and Japan, Marta and Brazil’s time in the tournament may have come to a crushing end.
Brazil need a point in their final group game against Spain to be in with a chance of clinching a place in the quarterfinals as one of two best third-place sides. Even if Brazil makes the quarterfinals, Marta would be suspended for the match following her red card.
Despite all her accolades, Marta has never won an Olympic or Women’s World Cup title with Brazil. The team went close twice, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008.
Marta confirmed that this would be her final major international tournament after a 24-year career that included six World Cup appearances and six Olympics.
However, there is a glimmer of hope.
Brazil were named hosts of the 2027 World Cup, and Marta would not be the first player to come out of international retirement. Compatriots Cristian and Formiga previously reversed their retirement, though it remains to be seen if Marta will be tempted to play a seventh World Cup and a first on home soil.