Catarina Macario Returns to San Diego, Signs Historic NWSL Contract

Catarina Macario, the US forward, has returned to San Diego to join the Wave from Chelsea. This move comes with one of the largest contracts in women's soccer history, running through 2030 under the NWSL’s new High Impact Player Rule.

Wave Sporting Director Camille Ashton praised Macario, stating, 'She is an intelligent, technical, and creative attacker with exceptional vision and composure.'

Macario, a U.S. citizen since 2020, previously helped Chelsea secure back-to-back Women’s Super League titles and an FA Cup. On the international stage, she has 16 goals in 29 appearances since 2021 and won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

'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,' Macario said.