ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2021) - With the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) preseason in full swing, the Orlando Pride and six-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta have agreed to terms on a new contract, a one-year deal with an option for an additional season. The deal, which runs through the 2022 NWSL season, was signed using Allocation Money.
In addition, the Brazilian international has also obtained a Green Card and will no longer require an international spot on the Pride’s roster.
“In addition to Marta’s world-class talent on the field, she embodies the values of Orlando Pride beyond the field as well,” said Executive Vice President Amanda Duffy. “The decision to restructure and extend our existing contract with Marta represents her importance to our organization and our commitment to maintain top global talent here in Orlando as well as in NWSL, as much as it demonstrates our commitment to bring and retain players that have a meaningful impact within our business and community at large.”
In the four matches of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, the 34-year-old was one of four members of the Pride to play every minute of each match with one assist throughout the competition, while also leading the side with six chances created and successful crosses/corners with seven. In four seasons in Orlando, she has totaled 58 appearances, 54 of which are starts, and is the leader in Club history in both goals and assists, with 23 and 11, respectively.
“Marta, of course, possesses unquestionable talent and is an integral part of what we are building here in Orlando,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “What she brings to our team is unmatched, from her invaluable career experience to the leadership she provides in our locker room. We’re extremely happy to be able to extend Marta’s time as a member of the Pride organization.”
In her first season with the Club in 2017, she helped lead the Pride to their first postseason appearance, finishing second in the league in both goals and assists with 13 and six, respectively. Since coming to Orlando, she has been named to both the NWSL’s Best XI and Team of the Month, while also being awarded Player of the Month, Player of the Week and Goal of the Week on four occasions.
On the international stage, Marta is one of the most decorated footballers to ever play the game, becoming the only player, male or female, to be named FIFA World Player of the Year six times. She also holds the record for most career goals at the FIFA World Cup with 17 for Brazil, the lone player in the sport’s history to score at five World Cup tournaments.
In addition to her five FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, she is a two-time silver medalist at the Olympic Games and was named to the first-ever FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI at the annual FIFA The Best Ceremony in Milan, Italy back in 2019.
The NWSL will return to action with the second edition of the Challenge Cup on Friday, April 9 before kicking off its regular season on May 15. Fans interested in becoming a 2021 Orlando Pride Season Ticket Member can find more information at orlando-pride.com or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs forward Marta to one-year contract with an option for an additional year, with Allocation Money used. Marta also obtains a Green Card.
