Early life and soccer career in Brazil
Catarina Macario is a name that is becoming more and more familiar to soccer fans around the world. The 24-year-old forward, born in Brazil but represents the United States internationally, has been making waves with her dazzling skills, prolific goalscoring, and impressive achievements.
Macario’s journey to the game’s top has been anything but easy. She started playing soccer at the age of four in her hometown of São Luís, Maranhão, following the footsteps of her older brother, Estevão. She played for the academies of Flamengo, Cruzeiro, and Santos, constantly competing with boys and often facing discrimination and prejudice.
Moving to the U.S. and dominating college soccer
At 12, Macario boldly relocated to the United States with her father and brother, leaving behind her mother. This doctor stayed in Brazil to support the family financially. Macario did not speak English when she arrived in San Diego, California, but she quickly adapted to the new culture and language, thanks to her passion for soccer.
She joined the San Diego Surf, a youth club, where she broke the all-time goalscoring record in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) with 165 goals. She also excelled at Torrey Pines High School, where she led the team to two state championships and was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2016.
Macario’s talent did not go unnoticed by college recruiters, and she committed to play for Stanford University, one of the country’s most prestigious and successful programs. There, she continued to shine, scoring 63 goals and providing 47 assists in 69 appearances for the Cardinal. She won numerous individual awards, including the Hermann Trophy, the highest honor in college soccer, twice in 2018 and 2019. She also helped Stanford win two NCAA titles in 2017 and 2019.
Becoming a U.S. citizen and international player
Macario dreamed of playing for the United States national team but faced a long and uncertain process to obtain her citizenship and eligibility. She became a U.S. citizen in October 2020 and received her FIFA approval to play for the U.S. in January 2021. She debuted for the senior team on January 18, 2021, against Colombia and scored her first goal four days later in a 6-0 win over the same opponent.
Turning professional and joining Chelsea
Macario’s next challenge was to turn professional and join a club in Europe, where the women’s game is increasing and attracting more attention and investment. She signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Olympique Lyonnais, the French powerhouse that has dominated the domestic and continental scene for over a decade. She scored 19 goals in 27 games for Lyon, helping them win the league title and reach the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
However, Macario’s ambition did not stop there. She wanted to test herself in a more competitive and diverse league, and she found the perfect opportunity in England, where Chelsea came calling for her services. On July 1, 2021, she completed her move to the London club, signing a three-year deal and taking the prestigious number 9 shirt.
Macario joined a squad full of stars, such as Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, and Ji So-yun, who had just won the domestic double and reached the final of the Champions League. She also reunited with her former Stanford teammate, Tierna Davidson, who had joined Chelsea earlier in the year.
Looking ahead to the future
Macario is expected to add more firepower and creativity to Chelsea’s formidable attack and challenge for more trophies and accolades. She is also a key player for the U.S. national team, preparing to defend their Olympic gold medal in Tokyo later this month.
Macario has come a long way from her humble beginnings in Brazil and has overcome many obstacles and challenges. She has shown remarkable determination, resilience, and talent and has become one of women’s soccer’s most exciting and influential players. She is still young and hungry and has a bright future ahead of her. Catarina Macario is a name that soccer fans will hear much more of in the future.
Originally posted 2023-11-08 17:21:33.
