Marta was discovered by renowned Brazilian female coach, Helena Pacheco, when she was just 14 years old. She went on to play and live at the training facilities for the famous Rio de Janeiro social club, Vasco da Gama, for two years until 2001. She joined Ume? IK before the 2004 season and stayed for three years. She signed a three-month loan contract with Santos on Aug. 1 to play in the Copa Libertadores and in the Copa do Brasil. __