Marta Vieira da Silva

Marta Vieira da Silva is the all-time leading World Cup scorer across men's and women's football with 17 goals. Her six FIFA World Player of the Year awards outperform #8 Lionel Messi's seven Ballon d'Ors in terms of per-year dominance. Marta also holds the most World Cup goals for Brazil, male or female, yet a 2022 survey found only 38% of fans can name her, compared to 85% for Pelé. Her Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2008 underscore a 10% lower media spotlight than her contributions warrant.