Brazilian superstar Marta has signed with the NWSL's Orlando Pride, the club announced Friday.
The 31-year-old joins the Florida outfit from Swedish side FC Rosengård, with whom she had plied her trade since 2014. Orlando will be Marta's fourth American club over the course of her career thus far.
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“We are incredibly proud to bring Marta to Orlando, and I am personally very excited as I have been a fan of her for many years,” Alex Leitao, CEO of the Pride and MLS club Orlando City, said in a release. “Our technical team worked hard to add the best, most accomplished women’s soccer player in the world to the roster.
Welcome to @OrlandoCitySC family! @ORLPride #Marta #GOAT pic.twitter.com/D2191c9qfG
— Kaka (@KAKA) April 7, 2017
Marta is one of the most recognizable players in the world's game, having been named FIFA Women's Player of the Year on five separate occasions. She has maintained a goal-per-game average on the international stage for over 100 caps, and she is the leading goal scorer in the history of the Women's World Cup.
In addition to her exploits on the international stage, Marta has won several championships while playing for clubs in Brazil, Sweden and the U.S. It is her notoreity on and off the field that made her an attractive target, the club said.
“Marta’s resume speaks for itself," said Orlando Pride and Orlando City general manager Niki Budalic. "She is not only the best player in the world, she is a player that fills one of our biggest needs on the field.
“Our goal this offseason was to evaluate our first year’s performance and give the Pride the best tools for success in 2017 and forward. With the addition of Marta, as well as fellow veterans Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan, among others, we are building a strong, exciting lineup for years to come.”