Catarina Macario’s Journey Biography and Unknown Facts

Catarina Macario, born in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, began playing soccer at four. Following her brother Estevão’s footsteps, she honed her skills in various Brazilian academies, including Flamengo and Santos. At 12, Catarina moved to the U.S. with her father and brother to pursue her soccer dreams, leaving her mother behind in Brazil to support the family financially.

Biography of Catarina Macario

College Stardom

Catarina joined Stanford University in 2017 and immediately made her mark. She scored 63 goals in 69 matches, earning prestigious awards like the Hermann Trophy twice. Catarina also led Stanford to NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships in 2017 and 2019, cementing her legacy as one of the top collegiate players.

Professional Success

In January 2021, Catarina began her professional career with Lyon, where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2022. She later joined Chelsea in 2023, continuing her impressive form after recovering from an ACL injury.

International Career

Catarina represents the U.S. national team. She debuted in 2021 and scored her first international goal soon after. She won bronze at the 2020 Olympics and the SheBelieves Cup multiple times.

Achievements and Honors

Catarina’s accolades include NCAA titles, UEFA Women’s Champions League triumphs, and individual awards like ESPNW Player of the Year and the Honda Sports Award.

Unknown Facts about Catarina Macario

1. Early Life and Family Background

• Parents: José Macario and Ana Maria Macario, with a brother, Estevão.
• She was moved to the U.S. at age 12, leaving her mother behind in Brazil to pursue soccer.

2. Inspiring Start to Soccer

• Began playing soccer at age 4, often competing in boys’ teams in Brazil.
• Set the ECNL all-time goalscoring record in the U.S. with 165 goals.

3. College Soccer Achievements

• Played for Stanford Cardinal, scoring 63 goals in 69 appearances.
• Won numerous accolades, including the Hermann Trophy (2018, 2019) and NCAA Championships (2017, 2019).

4. Professional Career Highlights

• Played for Lyon (2021–2023) and currently represents Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.
• Scored in Lyon’s 2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League final victory over Barcelona.

5. National Team Contributions

• Represented the U.S. national team, earning 8 goals in 19 appearances as of 2024.
• Played in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, helping the U.S. secure a bronze medal.
• Missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to an ACL injury but returned for the SheBelieves Cup in 2024.

6. Personal Life and Interests

• Unmarried and single as of 2025.
• Fan of Marta but considers Mia Hamm her favorite soccer player.
• Holds a degree in Communications with a minor in Psychology from Stanford University.

7. Physical Stats and Style

• Height: 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m).
• Weight: 55 kg; plays as a versatile midfielder and forward.

8. Jersey Number and Injuries

• Wears jersey number 9 for Chelsea.
• Overcame a major ACL injury in 2022, showcasing resilience in her comeback.

9. Tattoos and Controversy

• No tattoos have been publicly reported.
• Maintains a clean reputation, focusing on her career and sportsmanship.

10. Net Worth and Endorsements

• Estimated net worth: $2–3 million, including salary and sponsorships.

11. Unique International Path

• Chose to represent the U.S. over her home country, Brazil.
• Became the first naturalized citizen to play for the U.S. senior women’s team.

12. Awards and Recognitions

• Named ESPNW Player of the Year (2017, 2018).
• Best Player at the 2022 SheBelieves Cup.
• Honda Sports Award Winner in 2020.

13. Hobbies and Off-Field Interests

• Enjoys reading and spending time with family.
• Advocates for women in sports and inspires young athletes globally.

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