‘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.

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 could effectively end her Brazil career with the South American's going on to lose the game 1-0 and needing to advance as a third placed team - giving them a tougher draw going forward.

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

However, if the Brazilians do make it to the final then there is a possibility that Marta's suspension will have been served, making her available for one final swan song.

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Marta seemed to know that her chances of playing again were slim and burst into tears after she saw red.

The emotional star was coming to terms with the possibility of 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.