Soccer star Marta is a U.N. ambassador

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UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Brazil's world No. 1 female soccer player -- known simply as Marta -- has joined the roster of United Nations goodwill ambassadors, the organization said.

Marta Vieira da Silva was recruited by the U.N. Development Program to advocate for women's empowerment as part of a global strategy to fight poverty, the United Nations said Monday in a release.

"Marta is a role model for women and girls around the world, and I have no doubt that just as she has inspired them to play (soccer) so will she inspire others to come together in achievement of the Millennium Development Goals," said Helen Clark, the program's administrator.

Marta was appointed goodwill ambassador in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.

The U.N. Development Program "works around the world making a positive difference in people's lives and I am proud to add my personal commitment to its work," she said. "We all need to contribute to help defeat poverty."

Marta, the women's World Player of the Year from 2006 to 2009, plays with the U.S. soccer team FC Gold Pride in Santa Clara, Calif.