Chelsea Women: Catarina Macario, west London’s newest multifaceted superstar

After weeks of speculation, the Chelsea Women confirm the signing of the former Lyon attacker Catarina Macario on a three-year deal.

On June 7, the USWNT attacker Catarina Macario announced her departure from Lyon after three years and a Champions League crown last season. Two days later, the Chelsea Women introduced her as the club’s newest No. 9. Don’t read into the number too much because the former Lyon star is far more than just a goal-scorer.

It is clear from the players that Emma Hayes brought in last season that she seeks versatility across the board. Macario, who penned a three-year deal with the west Londoners’ on Friday defines exactly what that word means. It has been quite a busy few weeks for Hayes and the Blues since lifting the Women’s Super League title in Berkshire county, but locking up a player like Macario that is the biggest piece of news yet. Sam Kerr has become the face of this club since her arrival in 2020, but with time, the 2021 Champions League winner is bound to be next in line.

Under Vlatko Andonovski on the USWNT, the new CFCW No. 9 has shown she can contribute as one of the players across the front-three. During her final few matches with the stars and stripes, Andonovski deployed her as a “false nine” which broke down the competition at the SheBelieves Cup 2022 with ease.