Formiga retires after playing in 7 world cups and 7 Olympics For Brazil

Brazilian legend Formiga will play her last farewell football match for Brazil against India on 25 November 2021. The Brazilian has represented her nation in seven back-to-back Women's World Cups and at seven Olympic Games.

"The legendary Formiga will say goodbye to the women's national team," the official Brazil federation account said on Instagram. "It is a historic moment for a life dedicated to the yellow shirt and soccer. We love you."

Formiga has played 233 matches for Brazil. Her first Olympic appearance was in 1996 at the Games in Atlanta. She was also a part of the squad. When Brazil took Olympic silver medals home in 2004 and 2008. Before the commencement of Tokyo 2020, she had confirmed that the Olympics in Japan would be her last major tournament.

Let's look at Formiga's Extraordinary Career

Formiga played her first international match at 17, in the 1995 Women's World Cup. Before the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, she was a regular first-team player. Formiga's real name is Miraildes Maciel Mota. She earned the nickname "Formiga" which means "ant" in Portuguese, because of her unselfish style of play. 

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Formiga was the oldest player to play at the Women's Olympic Football tournament. Her compatriot Brazilian, Meg, was the holder of the oldest player record since the 1996 Olympics. When she was aged 40 years and seven months.

Her comeback from retirement

She was able to reach this feat because she was persuaded back into the team. After she decided to take a break from the national team.

She returned to make sure her team, Brazil, helped them to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. And then she became more interested in breaking even more records.

"I only came out of retirement due to necessity," she said according to FIFA.

"The Selecao didn't have anybody in my position, anyone who played in my style. The coach said he needed me. The Selecao needed to qualify for the World Cup.

"I spoke to Viadao. I gave it a lot of thought. The thought of Brazil missing out of the World Cup weighed heavily on me and eventually, I decided to help. I had no intention to carry on and play in the World Cup, but breaking barriers spurs me on."

Her presence in the team did help them qualify for the tournament in France, and progress to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by the hosts.

Formiga retires without a World Cup trophy on her honors list. Brazil has also never won an Olympic gold medal in women's football.

Reaction from social media

Some top football accounts praised Formiga on social media.

"Legend of our game! Congrats Formiga on an amazing career," two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm said on Twitter.

The USWNT said on Twitter: "A legend of the game and a truly remarkable career. Congratulations, Formiga!"

Carli Lloyd echoed the sentiment also saying on Twitter, "Legend. So much respect for you!! Amazing player and career. All the best in your future!"