United States captain Lindsey Horan fulfilled a lifelong dream after gracing the field alongside soccer legend Marta during the USWNT’s 1-0 win over Brazil .
On Saturday, the Stars and Stripes secured Olympic gold at the Paris Games in a thrilling match where stout defense reigned supreme. Mallory Swanson netted the deciding - and controversial - goal in the 57th minute, burying her shot past goalkeeper Lorena Leite and into the bottom corner.
The divisive score was enough for the U.S. to secure its record fifth Olympic gold medal and first in 12 years. The Americans didn’t make the medal round at the 2016 Rio Games, later taking home bronze at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
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With the win, Team USA all-but squandered Marta’s chances of ever winning Olympic gold. The 38-year-old has competed in six Olympics over her decorated career, but has suggested that the Paris Games will likely be her last.
Marta began Saturday’s match as a sub on the bench after being suspended for the quarterfinal and semifinal matches for receiving a red card in Brazil’s group final match versus Spain. She later trotted onto the pitch at the hour mark and was frequently suppressed by the American’s strong defensive line.
Prior to kick-off, Horan and several other American players offered Marta her due praise in what’s expected to be the six-time Fifa World Player of the Year’s final international match. "Marta is such an incredible player,” Horan said. “She was an idol for me growing up. The special qualities she brings have been an inspiration for boys, girls all over the world.
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"What she has brought to this game you can’t really put into words. What an incredible career and she gets to play in a gold medal match."
American forward Sophia Smith additionally relished the opportunity to play against Marta, revealing she used to watch her highlights growing up. “We wouldn't be here without Marta, who changed the game forever and continues to change the game,” she told reporters.
"For her to play in our league has helped so much. I don't think words can describe how grateful we are for a player like Marta that is an advocate for young players like us."
USA coach Emma Hayes expressed a similar sentiment, adding: "To witness what she has done on the pitch, for all of us who love the women's game she has been more than just a role model and an icon, she has been the best player over a long period of time.
"What she has done for Brazil and for those women, you look at the generation coming through and the inspiration she has been to them. I am happy for her she gets the opportunity off the back of a two-game suspension."
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