USWNT Star Catarina Macario Joins Chelsea From Lyon

USA women's national team star Catarina Macario has joined Chelsea from Lyon on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 17 senior appearances for the USWNT, has signed a contract with Chelsea until 2026.

Speaking to ChelseaFC.com, she said: "I can't wait to get started here!

"I'm really happy to sign for Chelsea and I hope to represent the jersey well over the next few years.

"I can play either as a no.10 or a more traditional no.9 and I'm looking forward to linking up with so many good forward players such as Sam [Kerr], Lauren James and Guro [Reiten].

"It will be good to play with Kadeisha [Buchanan] again also."

Catarina Macario pictured in September 2021 after scoring a goal for the USWNT against Paraguay in Cincinnati

IMAGO/Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire

Macario was born in Brazil but moved to the USA at the age of 12.

She is a two-time winner of the ESPNW Player of the Year award and was voted as the player of the tournament in last year's SheBelieves Cup.

But her greatest achievement to date is arguably winning the UEFA Women's Champions League with Lyon in 2022.

Macario scored eight goals in Lyon's triumphant UWCL campaign, including one against Barcelona in the final.

She said: "I've been fortunate to have some great experiences in Europe already with Lyon, playing with many top players and of course winning the Champions League also.

"I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home the trophy for Chelsea as well!"