From Vasco to royalty, Marta’s roots power the club’s women’s revival | OneFootball

Marta’s journey from Vasco to royalty was saluted as the 40-year-old took the field at Arena Castelão in Brazil’s friendly with the United States. According to Globo.com, her bond with the Seleção began at São Januário and now underpins Vasco’s bid to revive its women’s team.

She arrived aged 14 in 2000 after 2,090 kilometres and three days by bus from Dois Riachos, Alagoas, to Rio de Janeiro for trials.

At São Januário she met coach Helena Pacheco, who became her first mentor. Told to use both feet, Marta drilled the skill with relentless focus.

In 2001 she lifted the Brazilian Under-19 Championship with Vasco.

A year later, aged 16, she was called for Brazil at the Under-19 World Cup in Canada. She led with six goals, earned the Silver Ball, and Brazil finished fourth.

After Vasco closed their women’s side in 2003, Pacheco placed her at Santa Cruz in Minas Gerais. That year Marta played her first Women’s World Cup, scoring three in four.

She would later be named the world’s best player six times, yet her gratitude to Vasco endures. She joined a campaign delivering a welcome kit and history pamphlet to new signings, including a QR code video message from her.

The pamphlet traces roots to 1923, when the Pioneiras Vascaínas formed Sport Club Feminino Vasco da Gama, inspired by the Camisas Negras. The 1990s brought national titles in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1998, and talents such as Pretinha and Fanta.

Today the team top the Brasileiro A2 with 12 matches, 11 wins, one draw, 43 scored and eight conceded.

Source: Globo.com