Sissi backs Marta to shine at Women's World Cup 2027

As the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™ approaches, excitement is building for the tournament's first edition on South American soil. For Sissi, one of Brazilian football's greatest players, the event represents both a chance to grow the women's game and a genuine opportunity for the Seleção to claim a maiden world title.

The former attacking midfielder, who starred at the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 1999™, is confident that Brazil's technical quality and the changes introduced by coach Arthur Elias will be decisive. “Arthur has already adjusted a lot in terms of the Seleção's mentality,” Sissi told FIFA in an exclusive interview. “We always used to get close, but something was missing – and that something was the right mentality. I don't think there's a better team than us out there in technical terms. We have talent that's difficult to put into words. I can't wait for the World Cup to start, and I think Brazil have what it takes to win this title.”

A fairy-tale farewell for Marta

Sissi, who said she “would have loved to have had the chance to play in a tournament of this level in Brazil,” hopes to see veteran Marta grace the competition on home turf. The long-time No.10, who has been a global icon since the turn of the millennium, could be playing in her final World Cup. “Marta's legacy should be celebrated and respected,” Sissi said. “Who knows? Perhaps she'll end her career by winning this title.”

Sissi also expressed regret that she never had the chance to play alongside Marta, the all-time leading scorer at the Women's World Cup with 17 goals. “One dream I would've loved to fulfil was playing alongside Marta, but unfortunately that never happened. Imagine if Brazil could win this title at home with her in the team? I don't know what Arthur is thinking but, of course, as a Brazilian and someone who loves football, it'd mean so much to see Marta end her story with the Seleção by winning the World Cup.”

Building a winning team

Sissi has been impressed by the well-organised, balanced team Elias is building. She was in the stands in San Jose, California, for the 2-1 friendly victory over the USA in April 2025 – Brazil's first-ever away win against the Stars and Stripes in women's football. “You can see the difference Arthur has made to the team's structure and how intelligent he is. I'm really rooting for them and I'm very optimistic, to be honest,” the former Brazil talisman added.

Investment for the future

At the same time, Sissi stressed that for the Women's World Cup to leave a lasting legacy in Brazil, enthusiasm must be matched by more investment in the women's game. “The World Cup and the national team's performances can't change everything. I hope that, after the tournament, the work continues and doesn't stop there,” she said. “It will depend on the Brazilian FA and the clubs embracing it and providing the structure needed for the continued development of the women's game in Brazil.”

Reflections on 1999

Sissi's emotional connection to the Women's World Cup is also shaped by her own experiences. She looks back fondly on the historic 1999 campaign in the United States, where Brazil finished third and she shared the top-scorer award with Sun Wen. Her seventh and final strike – a golden goal – secured victory over Nigeria in the quarter-finals. “It was a childhood dream come true,” she affirmed. “That match against Nigeria, when I scored that goal, is something I'll never forget.”