Marta, like the majority of the Orlando Pride, took a step backward in a disjointed 2018 season that saw the club struggle, especially down the stretch. The Brazilian played well overall in her second season in Orlando but something was missing at times — a problem that plagued the entire squad all year.
She began the season with the Pride but then quickly left to rejoin Brazil for the Copa America Femenina. She helped lead her national team to the championship in that tournament and qualification for the 2019 World Cup. Upon her return to her club team, she showed the moments of magic we’re used to seeing but there weren’t quite as many of them in 2018 and she didn’t seem able to elevate her teammates as much as last year.