SAN DIEGO – Catarina Macario is returning to her roots, officially signing with the San Diego Wave FC through the 2030 season in a deal that signals a major investment in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The move brings the United States Women’s National Team forward back to the city where she spent her formative years after moving from Brazil at age 12.
The San Diego Wave utilized the league’s High Impact Player rule to facilitate the transfer from Chelsea, allowing them to exceed the salary cap for a player meeting specific criteria. While the franchise didn’t disclose the exact financial terms, reports indicate Macario’s contract is valued at $8 million, potentially making it the largest total contract value in the history of women’s soccer. This surpasses the $2 million annual deal recently signed by Trinity Rodman with the Washington Spirit, which was previously considered the league’s highest annual salary.
“I spent five years in Europe, and I had a great time, but there’s no place like home,” Macario said during a press conference Friday, as reported by ESPN. “I have had teammates play for the Wave. Obviously, I’ve always wished that there would be a professional soccer club here in San Diego, at least when I was growing up and playing for [youth club] San Diego Surf. So when the opportunity came about, it just made sense.”
Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton hailed the signing as “monumental,” emphasizing the ownership group’s commitment to building a championship-caliber organization. The transfer fee to Chelsea was reportedly around $300,000, with Macario’s contract with the English club set to expire this summer. The deal was completed before the NWSL’s March 16 transfer deadline.
Macario, 26, boasts an impressive resume. She starred at Stanford University, winning two national championships and earning the MAC Hermann Trophy – awarded to the nation’s best college soccer player – twice. Her professional career began with Olympique Lyonnais in 2021, where she quickly made an impact, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League in her first full season. She then moved to Chelsea in 2023, but her time in England was hampered by injuries.
The forward has 16 goals in 29 appearances for the USWNT, establishing herself as a key player for the national team. However, persistent foot injuries prevented her from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Macario acknowledged the challenges she faced at Chelsea, playfully noting, “Obviously I didn’t play much at Chelsea. Maybe the skies were a little too gray for me.” She expressed optimism that being closer to family and friends in sunny San Diego will aid her recovery.
Macario’s arrival is particularly meaningful given her deep ties to the San Diego soccer community. Before her collegiate success, she played for the San Diego Surf youth club and Torrey Pines High School. Her return is seen as a significant boost for the Wave and the growing popularity of women’s soccer in Southern California.
Despite the excitement surrounding her signing, Macario will have to wait to make her NWSL debut. She is currently recovering from a foot injury, and the Wave’s season is already underway. The team did not provide a specific timeline for her return to the field, but fans are eagerly anticipating her first appearance in a San Diego Wave jersey.
The High Impact Player rule, used to acquire Macario, allows NWSL teams to allocate up to $1 million in allocation money beyond the salary cap for designated players. This rule is designed to attract and retain top talent, enhancing the overall quality of the league. The Wave’s willingness to utilize this rule underscores their commitment to competing for championships.
Macario’s signing represents a significant moment for the NWSL, demonstrating the league’s growing financial strength and its ability to attract world-class players. It too highlights the increasing value placed on women’s soccer and the rising salaries of its stars. The league continues to build momentum, attracting new fans and sponsors, and establishing itself as a premier destination for professional women’s soccer players.
The San Diego Wave will introduce Macario at halftime of Saturday’s match against the Chicago Red Stars at Snapdragon Stadium. While she won’t be on the pitch for this game, her presence will undoubtedly energize the crowd and signal a new era for the club.
What’s Next: The San Diego Wave continue their season with a home match against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, March 29th. Fans can follow updates and the team’s schedule on the official Wave FC website: https://www.sandiegowavefc.com/
Share your thoughts on Macario’s return to San Diego in the comments below!
Keep reading
