New Orlando Pride contract needed for team captain Marta | OneFootball

The biggest question for NWSL Champion Orlando Pride is whether Marta will return for the 2025 season.

NWSL Champion and Shield winner Orlando Pride is solid to compete in the upcoming 2025 season. The biggest move at this time is bringing Marta back on board. The organization is in talks with her at this posting.

Marta Da Silva, Orlando Pride team captain, earned international regard long before she joined the squad in 2017. She was named Sports Illustrated’s Top 20 Female Athletes of the Decade from 2000-2009.

She’s the all-time goals leader in World Cup history with 17, topping men’s and women’s totals. She‘s the first player to score at five World Cups and has won FIFA Women’s Player of the Year six times.

She was the squad leader when this team won the NWSL Shield and Championship. They're the first team to achieve that since 2019. Just as significantly – this makes the Pride the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy.

They broke league records for most points in a season with 60, most wins in a season with 18, and most clean sheets in a season with 13. They were unbeaten at home through the regular season and postseason.

Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) celebrates after winning the 2024 NWSL Championship match at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

Marta’s leadership was crucial for each of those record accomplishments. She contributed nine goals and an assist in the regular season. She netted another two goals in the playoffs.

She won her third FIFPRO Women’s World 11 designation, along with teammate Barbra Banda. Plus, she was nominated for Midfielder of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

When she joined the Pride in 2017, she pledged to do her best, understanding that the future is built today. Then, in victory ceremonies honoring their championship, Marta emphasized that this is for Orlando.

The Orlando Pride can continue winning and bringing honor to the city and all its supporters. Marta should be there as captain as they do it.