Named the ‘Queen of Football’, Marta from Brazil has etched her name into footballing history but this Wednesday 31 July, the legend exited the pitch in tears after being sent off in her side's 2-0 defeat by World Cup holders Spain which left them in danger of a group-stage exit in the women's Olympic football tournament.

Marta was shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time in Bordeaux for a rash and dangerous high tackle on Spain captain Olga Carmona right in front of the referee. The 38-year-old was inconsolable as she walked off the pitch in what could turn out to be her final act at an Olympic Games.

The multiple winner of the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award is appearing at her sixth Olympics and featured in the teams that won silver in 2004 and 2008. Her hopes of appearing again in this tournament first depend on whether Brazil makes it through to the quarter-finals.

Athenea del Castillo tapped in midway through the second half to put already-qualified Spain ahead, and Alexia Putellas curled in a beauty for the second goal in the 17th minute of an interminable amount of injury time. Spain's third straight win in Group C means they will head to Lyon for a last-eight tie on Friday.

Brazil, who finished with three points, can still go through to the last eight as one of the two best third-placed sides in the three groups, but that depends on the outcome of Wednesday's remaining matches. Even if they do go through to the last eight, Marta would have to hope Brazil remain in the competition long enough for her to return after suspension.

The legend of Brazilian soccer was born in Dois Riachos, in the western state of Alagoas, the Olympic silver medallist fought her way to the very top and had been a mainstay of her national team since 2002. 

Her debut for the Seleção 22 years ago is indicative of her longevity at the top, and one of many reasons she will be sorely missed on the international stage. Ahead of Marta hanging up her Brazil shirt at the end of the year, Olympics.com takes a look at just a few of the reasons Marta will forever be a cornerstone of football.