Soccer
Catarina Macario’s move to the NWSL is officially complete.
Macario has joined the San Diego Wave in a permanent deal from WSL club Chelsea, both sides announced Friday. Her contract will run through the 2030 season and under the NWSL’s new High Impact Player Rule, it is one of the largest in women’s soccer history.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Cat home to San Diego,” said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “Cat is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game. She is an intelligent, technical and creative attacker with exceptional vision and composure in the final third.
“Her ability to unlock defenses and influence matches in multiple ways will further strengthen an already strong foundation as we continue building toward Championship success,” Ashton added. This signing reflects the ambition of our Club and having a player of her caliber return to her hometown and represent San Diego makes this signing even more meaningful for our organization.”
A former Stanford University standout, Macario made the move to French side Lyon after her collegiate career. She scored 19 goals and added five assists in 37 appearances with Lyon, winning two trophies.
She later joined WSL giants Chelsea in 2023, but did not debut for the London club until March 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL. Macario made 49 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 12 goals, and winning five trophies, including two league titles.
The 26-year-old had been sidelined since December due to a foot issue.
After debuting for the USWNT in 2021, Macario has scored 16 goals in 29 caps. She was part of the Bronze Medal winning roster in 2021 and helped the Americans win the SheBelieves Cup on three occasions.
“I’m really excited to join San Diego Wave FC and begin this next chapter of my career at home in San Diego,” said Macario. “This city has played such an important role in my journey, and the opportunity to come back and represent it means a lot to me.
“From my first conversations with the Club, I felt the ambition and the vision for what we can accomplish together, including bringing trophies to this city,” Macario added. “I’m grateful for the belief they’ve shown in me, and I can’t wait to get started and give everything for this team and my community.”
San Diego are 2-0-1 in NWSL play this season and next face the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
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