Catarina Macario is coming home.

The San Diego Wave FC announced Friday that it has acquired U.S. Women's National Team forward Catarina Macario from English club Chelsea FC, signing her to a five-year contract reported to be worth $8 million — the largest total contract in National Women's Soccer League history.

Macario, 25, grew up in San Diego after moving from Brazil at age 12 and went on to become one of the most prominent players in women's soccer. The signing was made possible by the NWSL's new High Impact Player Rule, which allows teams to exceed the salary cap to secure transformative talent.

For San Diego Wave fans in East County, this is a significant moment. Macario, who previously played for the Wave before departing for Europe, brings international-level experience and a tie to the local community that the club is hoping will translate into season ticket sales and renewed interest in the NWSL franchise. Her return to the city where she grew up is generating significant excitement across the region. The Wave open their 2026 home schedule at Snapdragon Stadium, accessible from Santee and La Mesa via the Green Line trolley.