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US international forward Catarina Macario has made a significant move in the world of women's soccer, joining the San Diego Wave on a five-year deal worth $8m. This contract is reportedly the largest by total value in women's soccer history.The 26-year-old forward is expected to immediately become the focal point of the Wave's attack. Macario's contract with Chelsea was set to expire at the end of the WSL season, and she will now use the NWSL's new high impact player rule to pay her salary.Macario's move to San Diego represents a homecoming for the player, who began her development in Brazil before relocating to San Diego with her family at the age of 12. She spent five years with the local San Diego Surf, setting the youth league's all-time scoring record, before playing collegiately for Stanford.The addition of Macario to the Wave's roster is expected to greatly benefit the team's system, which often features extensive buildup sequences and passing into the heart of the box. Macario's complete approach to playing striker, including her ability in buildup and difficulty to dispossess, will likely make her a valuable asset to the team.This move also represents an opportunity for Macario to reassert her case to be part of the US women's national team core, particularly with the 2027 World Cup being held in Brazil, her nation of birth. Macario has scored 16 goals across her 29 international caps, including eight goals from 10 national team appearances in 2025.