San Diego Wave FC make big splash, adds Catarina Macario on record deal

The San Diego Wave FC is about to make history.

The team has come to an agreement with European powerhouse Chelsea to acquire Catarina Macario and sign her through the 2030 season for $8 million, the most lucrative contract in women’s soccer history.

When healthy, Macario — a Torrey Pines High School alum — is one of the best goal scorers on the planet.

The trick has been staying healthy. She missed two full seasons, including the 2023 World Cup, with a torn ACL.

But, just 26 years old, she’s back and trending toward being a staple on the U.S. Women’s National Team.

After the retirement of Alex Morgan, the club was clearing up salary space and it appears this was the plan all along.

The Wave have not announced yet when she’ll make her NWSL debut. They play in Utah on Sunday and are back home at Snapdragon Stadium next Wednesday against Portland.