USWNT's Catarina Macario set to join San Diego Wave from Chelsea

The 26-year-old forward is expected to sign with the NWSL club before the transfer deadline.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:51pm

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U.S. women's national team forward Catarina Macario is set to join San Diego Wave from Chelsea. The Athletic reported in January that Macario was considering her options with her Chelsea contract expiring in the summer, and had been the subject of interest from NWSL sides. Sources indicate the Wave are expected to secure her signature before the NWSL transfer deadline on Monday.

Why it matters

Macario's departure is a significant blow to Chelsea's attacking ranks, as the 26-year-old's experience as a European champion with Lyon was expected to help the club win their first Champions League title. Her Chelsea career has been hindered by injuries, and her exit raises questions about Chelsea's summer transfer plans, especially if star striker Sam Kerr also leaves when her contract expires.

The details

Macario joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 and has made 49 appearances for the London club, scoring 12 goals. She suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and did not appear for Chelsea until March 2024, when she scored on her debut against Leicester. This season, Macario has made 12 appearances across all competitions, eight of which have been as a substitute, and scored two goals. She has not appeared for Chelsea since December 14 and has been suffering from a foot injury.

  • Macario joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023.
  • Macario suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and did not appear for Chelsea until March 2024.
  • This season, Macario has made 12 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea.
  • Macario has not appeared for Chelsea since December 14, 2025 due to a foot injury.
  • The NWSL transfer deadline is on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Catarina Macario

A 26-year-old U.S. women's national team forward who is set to join the San Diego Wave from Chelsea.

Chelsea

An English professional women's football club based in London.

San Diego Wave

An American professional women's soccer team based in San Diego, California and a member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

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What they’re saying

“Macario has not necessarily been a consistent starter for Chelsea, but her departure is a significant blow to their attacking ranks.”

— Cerys Jones, Analyst (The Athletic)

What’s next

The NWSL transfer deadline is on Monday, March 16, 2026, and the Wave are expected to secure Macario's signature before then.

The takeaway

Macario's move to the NWSL's San Diego Wave represents a significant loss for Chelsea, as the 26-year-old forward's experience and talent were expected to help the club win their first Champions League title. Her departure raises questions about Chelsea's summer transfer plans, especially if star striker Sam Kerr also leaves when her contract expires.