Soccer star Marta named new UN Women ambassador

On Thursday (Jul. 12), forward Marta from Brazil’s football squad was named the new UN Women ambassador, a post with which she will be able to fight for gender equality in the sports world and other arenas.

Considered by many the best female player of all time, Marta is the biggest goalscorer in the history of Women’s World Cup and was named the world’s best player five times.

The Orlando Pride forward had contributed to the UN as part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD).

Football player Marta - Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil

“Marta Vieira da Silva is an exceptional role model for women and girls across the world. Her own life experience tells a powerful story of what can be achieved with determination,” said UN Women Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

“We look forward to working closely with Marta to bring the transforming power of sport to more women and girls, and to rapidly building equality,” she added.

In a note, Marta said she was honored, and pledged to work to see “women and girls around the world have the same opportunities as men and boys to develop their potential.”

“Today, women all across the world are proving they can be successful in the roles and positions previously occupied by men,” she said.