Marta returns to Brazil squad after stepping away from international play in 2024

Brazil manager Arthur Elias announced the women's national team roster for a pair of upcoming friendlies against Japan as tune-ups for this summer's Copa America, and legendary forward Marta was recalled to the squad - even though she had announced her international retirement after the Paris Olympic Games.

The 39-year-old announced a two-year contract extension with NWSL side Orlando Pride ahead of the 2025 campaign, ending speculation that she was set to hang up her boots for both club and country.

"I was with Marta recently and spoke with her. She said she is available to help the team while she is playing at a high level, as she is now," Elias told reporters. "Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the American League champion. Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team."

Marta was named to the roster along with Brazil regulars such as Orlando Pride teammate Angelina, Kansas City Current star Debinha and Manchester City winger Kerolin. Prospects such as goalkeeper Claudia and defender Isa Haas were named, too.

"We really want expectations to rise for the women's national team and for football in our country," Elias added. "This is the work we propose and hope that this evolution can really continue, even though it is always a challenge, because we train very little with the players, we change many players to really give them opportunities."

Marta led Brazil to a silver medal at the Paris Games in 2024, losing to the USWNT, and followed it up with both a regular season title and an NWSL Championship with the Orlando Pride.

Marta is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 119 goals.

The 39-year-old will report to Brazil duty later this month for the competition tune-ups, with the final squad for the tournament set to be announced before an away friendly against France on June 27.

The tournament runs from July 12 to Aug. 2.