Catarina Macario has made new records in women’s soccer history. The midfielder has recently signed a record-breaking contract with the San Diego Wave FC of the Women’s National Soccer League. Her contract is valued at approximately $8 million. The deal will keep her as part of the team until the 2030 season.
Macario spent her club career in Europe after signing with the Lyo’s in 2021. The team went on to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League that year. Later in 2023, she then signed a three-year deal with Chelsea FC, but injury concerns set her back from making her debut the next season. She made 105 appearances with the team and scored 44 goals.
Macario to play a key role in Wave
With 29 caps and 16 goals for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Last season, she led the team with eight goals in 10 games. In addition to that, she has led the USWNT to four SheBelieves Cup tournaments, including 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2026. She had missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to an ACL injury and the 2024 Paris Olympics due to knee irritation.
Macario’s dual role as both a forward and midfielder is expected to be a valuable asset for the Wave. Her move from Europe will see her returning back to her hometown in San Diego.
“I’m really excited to join San Diego Wave FC and begin this next chapter of my career at home in San Diego. 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,” she said.
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. 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,” she added.
In the 2026 NWSL season, the Wave recorded back-to-back wins, followed by their recent loss in the home opener match. With Macario joining the roster, the team hopes to recover. The team has their next match on Saturday, March 28, in which Macario will make her home debut at the Snapdragon Stadium.
