Catarina Macario’s time as a Chelsea player has come to an end, with a move to her hometown San Diego Wave confirmed today by both clubs.
The 26-year-old USA international is signing a 4-year, $8m contract with the Wave, which is a new record contract for the NWSL (beating the mark set by Trinity Rodman’s new deal just a couple months ago). San Diego are reportedly also paying $300k in transfer fees to have Macario move now as opposed to at the end her contract in the summer — despite carrying an injury
at the moment that has prevented her from playing since December.
Injuries have been unfortunately a major feature of Macario’s time at Chelsea. She joined from OL Lyonnes in 2023 while rehabbing an ACL tear and did not make her debut until some nine months later. And she would have to deal with multiple subsequent issues with that knee as well, eventually restricting her to just 49 Chelsea appearances in three years, with 12 goals scored.
Macario’s departure is just the latest high profile sign of a major shift happening at Chelsea, and she could yet be followed by the likes of Sam Kerr and Millie Bright this summer.
Best of luck back home in the States, Cat!
