Late Marta heroics rescue Brazil as icon wins dramatic Copa America Femenina final in shoot-out against Colombia
By Rhys Jones
Published 03/08/2025 at 13:18 GMT+1
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Brazil clinched their fifth Copa America Femenina in a row as the legendary Marta scored two crucial goals late in the tie to help send it to penalties, where Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena saved Jorelyn Carabali's effort to secure victory. After retiring following last year's Olympics, Marta returned to the international set-up in May and has now secured her fourth Copa America title.
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Brazil legend Marta scored two late goals to help Brazil retain the Copa America Femenina in a penalty shoot-out win over Colombia.
A riveting contest in Quito, Ecuador, saw an eventful final end 4-4 after extra-time with the match heading to penalties.
Linda Caicedo gave Colombia the lead in the 25th minute before Angelina equalised from the spot shortly before half-time.
An own goal from Tarciane put Colombia back in front in the 69th minute, only for Amanda Gutierres to level the scores again in the 80th.
Eight minutes later, Mayra Ramirez gave Colombia the lead for the third time, only for Marta to fire off a stunning shot from outside the box in th 96th minute.
She then scored again in extra-time as Brazil took the lead for the first time in the contest, before Leicy Santos made it 4-4 with a stunning free-kick to force a penalty shoot-out.
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As the shoot-out went to sudden death it was up to Brazil goalkeeper Lorena to save Jorelyn Carabali's spot-kick and secure victory.
It is another chapter in a storied career for Marta, who originally retired from international football after Brazil won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
National team manager Arthur Elias recalled the 39-year-old to his squad for pre-tournament friendlies in May, and this triumph secured her fourth Copa America title.
She did not start the final, instead coming on in the 82nd minute with the scores level at 2-2, but became its most critical and defining player, injecting a tiring Brazil side with energy and leadership.
Colombia had the trophy all but won until the six-time FIFA Player of the Year scored her stunning shot from outside the box in the 96th minute, and her goal in extra-time gave Brazil their first lead of the day.
Marta had the chance to win the trophy for Brazil in the shoot-out, only for Katherine Tapia to save her effort.
"I think women's soccer has been growing a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too," Brazil's Gutierres said.
"This means a lot. I think it's Brazil's job - it's that mentality of never giving up. That's a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians."
It marks an incredible fifth Copa America Femenina win in a row for Brazil, who have only failed to win the tournament once - against Argentina in 2006.
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