World's Best Midfielder 2012 – IFFHS

Marta Vieira da Silva, known simply as Marta, is considered one of the greatest players in football history. Born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, Brazil, the Brazilian player has established herself over the years as a true global icon thanks to her exceptional technical talent, creativity, and vision of the game.

In 2012, Marta received the title of World's Best Midfielder awarded by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics), a prestigious distinction awarded following a vote gathering football experts from over 70 countries. This award confirms her major influence in international women's football.

An exceptional career at the top of world football

From the start of her career, Marta stood out for her rare technical qualities and game sense. She began at Vasco da Gama in Brazil in 2000, before moving to Europe in 2004, signing with the Swedish club Umeå IK, one of the dominant teams in women's football at the time.

Under Umeå's colors, Marta won the 2003/2004 UEFA Women's Cup and four consecutive Swedish championships between 2005 and 2008. During this period, she scored 111 goals in 103 matches, confirming her status as an exceptional player capable of being both a playmaker and a decisive goalscorer.

Her extraordinary performances earned her the title of FIFA World Player of the Year five consecutive years between 2006 and 2010, a domination rarely seen in football history.

Global influence and historical records

Internationally, Marta quickly became the emblematic figure of the Brazilian national team. She participated in five FIFA World Cups between 2003 and 2019, as well as four Olympic tournaments between 2004 and 2016.

With Brazil, she won three major silver medals, at the 2007 World Cup and the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. At the 2007 World Cup, Marta had an exceptional tournament, finishing as the best player (Golden Ball) and top goalscorer (Golden Boot) of the competition.

She also holds a historic record in the FIFA World Cup, with 17 goals scored, a total that long constituted the absolute record, men and women combined. Marta also became the first player in history to score in five different editions of the World Cup.

An international career between Europe and the United States

After her success in Sweden, Marta continued her career in several major leagues. She played notably in the United States with Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride, and Western New York Flash, winning the American professional championship several times while regularly being named best player (MVP) and top goalscorer.

In 2012, Marta returned to Sweden and joined Tyresö FF, where she won the 2012 Swedish championship and helped lead the club to the final of the 2013/2014 UEFA Women's Champions League.

She then continued her career at FC Rosengård, winning two more Swedish championship titles, before joining the American club Orlando Pride in 2017, where she plays alongside major stars of international women's football.

In 2018, Marta was again rewarded for all her performances, winning the FIFA The Best award for the world's best player and being selected for the IFFHS World Team of the Year.

A legend of women's football

Thanks to her unique talent, longevity at the highest level, and global influence, Marta is widely considered the greatest player in the history of women's football.

Her spectacular style, made of dribbling, creativity, and efficiency in front of goal, has inspired an entire generation of players worldwide and contributed to the development and popularity of international women's football.

Available products

Discover the official IFFHS LEGEND editions dedicated to Marta, celebrating one of the greatest figures in world football history.