USWNT’s Catarina Macario joins San Diego Wave from Chelsea

Macario, who was the USWNT’s top goal scorer in 2025, will return to her hometown of San Diego on a contract to 2030. The Wave activated the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL’s) new High Impact Player rule, which allows clubs to spend up to $1 million above the salary cap on those who qualify, to acquire the 26-year-old. Macario joins for an undisclosed transfer fee, but will not

San Diego Wave FC has announced the signing of U. S. women’s national team striker Catarina Macario from Chelsea.

Macario, who was the USWNT’s top goal scorer in 2025, will return to her hometown of San Diego on a contract to 2030. The Wave activated the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL’s) new High Impact Player rule, which allows clubs to spend up to $1 million above the salary cap on those who qualify, to acquire the 26-year-old. Macario joins for an undisclosed transfer fee, but will not be available for her new club immediately due to a foot injury.

“Cat is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game,” San Diego Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said in a club statement. “She is an intelligent, technical, and creative attacker with exceptional vision and composure in the final third. Her ability to unlock defenses and influence matches in multiple ways will further strengthen an already strong foundation.