RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian football star Marta said she was "very happy" her country had yesterday been awarded the 2027 Women's World Cup, which will be the first in South America.
A FIFA congress meeting in Bangkok voted to send the 10th Women's World Cup to the land of samba football, beating a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
"I'm sure that the 2027 Women's World Cup will be a success, and the Brazilian people, as always, will have their arms wide open to welcome the world football community!" Marta, six times the FIFA women's World Player of the Year, posted on Instagram.
A video released by the Brazilian World Cup bid included 38-year-old Marta.
"Playing in a World Cup at home is the dream of so many Brazilian girls," she said echoing the bid slogan that Brazil was the "natural choice".
Marta, whose Brazil side finished runners up in the 2007 World Cup and won Olympic silver medals in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, does not plan to live the dream herself in 2027.
She said in April that she hoped to be selected for the Paris Olympics but then planned to retire from international football.
"If I go to the Olympics, I'll enjoy every moment because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team. There is no longer Marta in the national team as an athlete from 2025 onwards," Marta told CNN Brazil.
Brazil's Minister of Sport, Andre Fufuca, also welcomed FIFA's choice.
"Brazil is ready! This will be the World Cup not only for Brazil, but for the whole of South America," he said in a statement.
"The players will serve as an example to future generations and help Brazil create a positive and lasting impact in society, promoting inclusion, diversity and equality in sport."
Brazil has been dealing with devastating floods in the south of the country.
"Unlike in recent weeks, I woke to excellent news and reason to smile," Marta posted yesterday.
"If it were possible, I would like the first match of the Brazilian national team to be played in Rio Grande Sul. The state of Rio Grande do Sul and the people of Rio Grande do Sul deserve it!" — AFP