Catarina Macario Joins San Diego Wave From Chelsea On Record NWSL Contract

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United States forward Catarina Macario is leaving Chelsea for San Diego Wave, agreeing a record contract in the NWSL. The 26-year-old signs a four-year deal and becomes the league’s highest-paid player, with reports of $2m per season under the new high-impact player rule.

Macario is currently out with a foot injury but had an effective spell at Chelsea after joining from Lyon. Across three seasons in England, Macario scored 12 goals in 49 matches. The move followed strong transfer speculation, as Macario had entered the last six months of a Chelsea contract.

The Wave are using the NWSL’s high-impact player mechanism to pay Macario beyond the salary cap. The agreement runs for four years and underlines the club’s backing for an established international attacker. The deal also highlights San Diego Wave’s intent in the United States domestic league.

The transfer also marks a personal return for Macario, who moved from Brazil to San Diego as a child. Macario played part of a youth career with San Diego Surf before heading into elite football. Macario said: "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."

San Diego Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton praised the signing, stating: "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 defences and influence matches in multiple ways will further strengthen an already strong foundation."

Macario remains a key figure for Emma Hayes’ United States team. During 2025, Macario led national scoring with eight goals in 10 matches, taking the overall record to 16 goals in 29 caps. The transfer gives San Diego Wave an attacker with proven impact for club and country.