‘Greatest female footballer ever’ sent off in tears for ‘criminal’ karate kick in potential last international game

WOMEN’S football legend Marta’s international career may have ended in tears.

The Brazilian forward, 38, was sent off as her nation took on Spain in the Women’s Olympic football.

Getty

Marta was left in floods of tears as events unfolded at the Olympics[/caption]

Rex

Marta flew into the tackle[/caption]

Rex

Carmona needed medical assistance after the foul[/caption]

AFP

Marta was shown red for the offence[/caption]

Marta announced earlier this year that she is calling an end to her international career at the end of 2024.

And her dismissal against Spain could mean that her time in the Selecao has come to a premature end.

Marta, who is widely hailed as the “greatest female footballer of all time”, was shown a straight red card for a horror high foot.

The superstar leapt into a challenge with Spain captain Olga Carmona, but completely mistimed her approach.

Instead of nicking away the ball from her opponent, she saw her studs slam into the head of Carmona – giving the official no choice but to send her off.

And her marching orders will effectively end her Brazil career with the South American’s going on to lose the game 1-0 and crashing out of the Olympics in the group stage.

It’s extremely unlikely that the adored goalscorer will ever play in another international tournament again.

Marta seemed to know that was the case and burst into tears after she saw red.

AP

The superstar was visibly distraught[/caption]

Reuters

Her Brazil teammates comforted her[/caption]

Rex

Marta’s international career is now effectively over after announcing her intention to retire from the national squad at the end of 2024[/caption]

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The emotional star was coming to terms with her international career coming to an end in such a heartbreaking way.

Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing either, taking to social media to react.

One wrote: “Not how anyone wanted this moment to go for the football legend.”

While another added: “You really can’t believe what happened to Marta.

“She was probably playing her last game as a professional soccer player and was sent off for a criminal kick. A sad ending.”

A third simply commented: “Gutted”.

And a fourth posted: “This sucks for Marta but it’s a clear red.”

Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 115 goals during her tenure with the national side.

While she is already a two-time Olympic silver medallist, finishing second with the Brazilian side in the 2004 and 2008 games.

She isn’t hanging her boots up for good just yet with her club career still going strong.

Marta currently plies her trade in the USA where she plays for NWSL outfit Orlando Pride.

Reuters

Spain won the match 1-0, sending Brazil crashing out of the Olympics in the group stage[/caption]