Catarina Macario Welcomes Serena Williams to Chelsea
Catarina Macario, a forward for Chelsea and the United States women’s national team, expressed her enthusiasm for Serena Williams joining her club, stating that it signifies the significant growth and attention women’s football is receiving. Williams, a legendary figure in tennis with 23 grand slam titles, had her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is known for founding Reddit, purchase an estimated 8 to 10 percent stake in Chelsea for around £20 million (approximately $26.87 million). This announcement came just before the FA Cup final, which took place at Wembley, where Macario impressively scored in Chelsea’s 3-0 triumph over Manchester United.
Macario’s Reflections on Women’s Sports
“This is a win for women’s football and women’s sports as a whole. It’s not about which team you support; having someone like Serena backing our game is just incredible. Her presence is a tremendous boost for us. She is a role model whom many admired growing up, and having her associated with our club is truly inspiring.”
Highlighting the increasing recognition of women’s sports, Macario noted,
“I believe this indicates how much the game is evolving, and people are beginning to realize the financial potential in it.”
Upcoming WSL Season and Macario’s Journey
The upcoming WSL season will see Chelsea defending their title, starting with their match against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Friday. Macario, who transferred to Chelsea from Lyon in July 2023, made her debut in March 2024 after a lengthy recovery from a serious injury. Her return was marked by a goal just six minutes after coming on in a match against Leicester City.
Macario’s journey to the professional level began when she moved from Brazil to the United States at the age of 12—a challenging transition that required substantial sacrifices from both her and her family. Reflecting on her past, she said,
“The transition was undoubtedly tough. I faced numerous challenges, such as not knowing the language and being separated from my mother, but every struggle was part of a journey towards realizing my dreams. If I had to do it all over again, knowing it would lead to these opportunities, I absolutely would.”
Achievements and Future Prospects
During her time at Lyon, Macario played a pivotal role in the team clinching the French championship and lifting the Champions League trophy in the 2021-22 season, netting an impressive 23 goals over 33 appearances. When Chelsea’s manager Emma Hayes transitioned to become the head coach of the national team, former Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor took the helm at Chelsea. Bompastor quickly proved her effectiveness by leading Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble in her first season.
Macario remarked on Bompastor’s capabilities, saying,
“I had no doubts. She has a proven record of winning and insists on excellence from every player and staff member. As we reflect on the past year under her leadership, we’re all eager to see what further achievements await us in the future.”
Competitive Landscape of Women’s Football
As the WSL anticipates a competitive season, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal are poised to challenge for the title, while teams like Liverpool and Tottenham may face relegation threats. Meanwhile, transfer developments continue to unfold, with Clinton eyeing a move to Manchester City and Park expected to join Manchester United, signaling a dynamic period for women’s football.
