Big Dreams, Bold Move: The Inspiring Story of Catarina Macario

Catarina Macario’s story is one of determination, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a dream. From an early age, Catarina knew she wanted to excel in soccer, and her family did everything in their power to support her dream, even when it meant making great personal sacrifices. Born and raised in Brazil, where the resources for women’s soccer were limited, Catarina and her family realized that to reach the heights of her potential, she would need to move to a place with better opportunities.

At just 12 years old, Catarina made the life-changing move to the United States, leaving behind her mother, Ana Maria Cantanhede, while her father, Jose Macario, and brother, Estavão (Steve), accompanied her. The separation was tough, but it was a necessary step for Catarina to get the support and training she needed to thrive in her soccer career.

This is more than just a story of talent; it’s about resilience, determination, and the strength of a family’s belief in their daughter’s potential. Catarina’s humble beginnings in Brazil set the foundation for her future success, and her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a global soccer star is a testament to the power of perseverance.

In this biography, we’ll dive into her childhood, the challenges of leaving home at such a young age, and her journey to becoming a standout player. You’ll also learn about her close-knit family, their sacrifices, and how they remained a vital part of her journey. From her early life in Brazil to the moment she rose to fame on the world stage, Catarina Macario’s life story is truly inspiring. Now, let’s take you through her journey, from her childhood days to her incredible rise in soccer.

Catarina Macario Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, Catarina Macario bears the nickname Cat or Cat-Trick, which was given to her by her teammates when she played for the Stanford Cardinals. Her Full Name is Catarina Cantanhede Melônio Macário, a combination of her parents’ surnames.

The attacking midfielder was born on the 4th day of October 1999 to her Mother, Ana Maria Macario, and Father, Jose Macario, in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.

Catarina Macario arrived in the world as the last child and only daughter out of two children, a boy and a girl. All children were born to the marital union between their Dad, Jose Macario, and Mum, Ana Maria Cantanhede.

Now, let’s introduce you to Catarina Macario’s Parents. Jose Macario and Ana Maria Macario never gave their daughter the world’s riches. Still, they supported her dreams even when it meant travelling over 5000 miles outside their comfort zone and leaving the matriarch of the family behind.

Growing-Up Years:

Estavão (Steve) Macario is the only brother and sibling of Catarina Macario. Being the elder brother, Cat always looked up to him as they shared a close sibling bond.

The tenacious box-to-box dynamo started playing football at the tender age of 4 and would practice with her brother, who played football in the streets of Sao Luiz.

As a child, Catarina exhibited traits of love for the game. She displayed a competitive spirit and demonstrated a natural talent for soccer from an early age. From age 4 to 12, she would engage in street football and organized football matches with boys older than her.

But she was not alone. Her parents and brother always supported and encouraged her. This familial love provided her with the necessary foundation to pursue her dreams.

Growing up with her brother Steve further enriched Catarina’s childhood experiences. They shared companionship and engaged in playful activities.

The São Luíz neighbourhood, where Catarina and Steve grew up, played a significant role in their lives. The supportive community that lacked access to quality training facilities for girls in the area positively influenced her parent’s decision to leave Brazil for the United States.

Catarina Macario’s Early Life:

Everyone knows Brazil is a country that loves football, so it is not surprising that Catarina Macario was surrounded by people who loved sports. It was impossible not to love soccer; her parents were fans of the sport, and her brother was a player.

From age 4, she went from playing football with her brother on the streets of São Luíz to competing with other boys her age in boys’ academies. At that time, there were no football academies for girls, so she competed with boys her age.

At some point when she was 7, her family had to move to Brasília, the capital of Brazil, which had better facilities.

In Brazil, it is a known rule that girls are not allowed to play the soccer game with boys once they reach 12. This, we believe, is to ensure safety on the part of the females.

Even though the streets and academies of Brazil experienced the amazing talent of Catarina Macario, they weren’t enough. São Luíz neighbourhood lacked the appropriate facilities and equipment to help build this talent burning in Catarina Macario.

When Catarina Macario got to age 12, her parents realized something needed to be done, or else their daughter might risk not pursuing a career in professional football.

To ensure and support their daughter’s career. Jose decided to travel to the United States with Catarina and her brother Estava. Their mother, Ann Maria Cantanhede, stayed in São Luíz, where she worked as a medical doctor to support her family abroad.

Catarina Macario’s Family Background:

Catarina Macario comes from a middle-class Christian household who loves the game of soccer. This love for soccer and the relentless support for their daughter’s career led to the familial separation in 2011.

How rich the Macarios were is unknown, but they ensured their children had the best life. In 2011, her mother started her medical career while her father did all he could to provide for his family. They both raised their children in a loving family and imbibed in them the importance of sacrifice and believing in one’s self.

Family Life:

The São Luís born female footballer comes from a close-knit family that has been a source of unwavering support throughout her journey in football. Her family’s love and encouragement have played a crucial role in her success, as they have stood by her side through every milestone and achievement. To them, family is everything.

About Catarina Macario’s Father:

Jose Macario has been a pillar of support and guidance in her football career. He recognized her talent from a young age and played a significant role in nurturing her passion for the sport.

Jose’s belief in his daughter’s abilities and his dedication to her success have been instrumental in shaping Catarina’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in women’s football.

Despite her successful career, he continues to support her. He enjoys spending quality time and attending football matches with his superstar daughter. His unwavering support and encouragement have been invaluable. This shows the profound impact a father can have on a talented athlete’s development.

About Catarina Macario’s Mother:

Ann Maria Cantanhede is a loving parent and a dedicated medical doctor. When Catarina was just seven years old, the family relocated to Brasilia due to Ann Maria running her residency program.

Despite the eventual move to America, Ann Maria chose to remain in Brazil to continue practising medicine and provide financial support to her family. Her commitment to her profession and the well-being of her loved ones showcases her selflessness and unwavering support for Cat-Trick’s dreams.

About Catarina Macario’s Sibling:

Catarina Macario shares a strong bond with her brother, Steve. Steve Macario, her elder brother, has been a constant source of support and guidance throughout her life.

About Estavão Macario:

Estavão, who is also recognized as Steve Macario, has played a significant role in Catarina’s life and her football journey.

Hailing from São Luiz, Brazil, they both fostered a profound passion for soccer. Catarina regarded Steve as her role model and a wellspring of inspiration, as his own love for the sport kindled her own.

Following their family’s relocation to America, Steve assumed a pivotal role as a translator, proficient in both understanding and speaking English.

His unwavering support and assistance during this transitional period proved instrumental in helping Catarina settle into her new environment and pursue her aspirations in a foreign land.

Even as Catarina’s career has soared to great heights, Steve has continued to provide support and encouragement. Their close bond as siblings has kept them connected throughout their journeys. Steve continues to cheer on Catarina, providing unwavering support as she makes her mark in the world of football.

Catarina Macario’s Relatives:

Catarina Macario shares a special relationship with her relatives, who hold a cherished place in her life. While many of her relatives maintain a private life away from the spotlight, they remain steadfast in supporting her.

The Cantanhede and Macario families celebrate special occasions like Christmas and create lasting memories. The bond shared with her relatives extends beyond the football field, reminding Catarina of the love and encouragement she receives from her loved ones.

Although they may not be prominently featured in the public eye, their presence and support remind us of the strong family ties underpinning Catarina’s journey.

Catarina Macario’s Family Origin:

Jose Macario and Ann Maria Cantanhede are from São Luíz, Maranhao, Brazil, the birth country of the explosive midfielder. Carlos Vinicius and Ary Borges have roots in Maranhao.

São Luíz is the city capital of Maranhão. It is located in northeastern Brazil and was named after Louis XIII, also known as Louis the Just.

This city was founded in 1612 by a French Naval Officer, Daniel De la Touche de la Ravardière. Sao Luiz has many historic centres that preserve much of the colonial atmosphere of the Portuguese.

Catarina Macario’s Ethnicity:

The dynamic midfield maestro’s ethnicity is Brazilian-American. Her parents are of Brazilian descent, having immigrated to the United States from Brazil.

Her Brazilian-American background has shaped her identity as a footballer, adding a unique dimension to her game. It has allowed her to draw inspiration from Brazilian and American soccer traditions, contributing to her well-rounded skill set and tactical awareness.

Officially, Cat-Trick speaks English and Portuguese. She is yet to disclose if she speaks other languages.

Interestingly, Brazilian Americans make up 0.53% of the American population, a staggering 1,905,000 living in the United States.

Catarina Macario’s Education:

When the Macarios made the decision to leave Brazil for America, they recognized the importance of education for their talented daughter, Catarina Macario, especially considering the language barrier she faced as a non-English speaker.

Macario was enrolled in Torrey Pines High School, founded in 1974 at Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, California. She excelled on the soccer field and maintained a strong academic record during her time there.

Balancing her studies with her passion for the sport, Macario demonstrated dedication and discipline, setting the stage for her future success.

Other notable alumni include Taylor Fritz, Soren Thompson, and Finn Sullivan, who are all amazing sportsmen in their field.

Following her graduation from high school, Macario made the decision to further her education and soccer career at Stanford University, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Macario committed to playing college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal women’s soccer team, which is known for its academic and athletic excellence. Do you know? Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma also played for Stanford Cardinal (college soccer level).

At Stanford, Macario continued to flourish both on and off the field. Academically, she pursued a management science and engineering degree, showcasing her commitment to a well-rounded education.

On the soccer field, Macario’s impact was nothing short of extraordinary. She became one of the most dominant players in college soccer, receiving numerous accolades and leading Stanford to national championships.

In January 2021, Macario decided to forego her remaining college eligibility and turned professional, signing with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, a prominent women’s football club in France. While her decision to leave college early meant foregoing her senior season at Stanford, it was a testament to her readiness to take the next step in her career.

Career Buildup:

Catarina Macario’s early football journey took her through various academies in Brazil before she ultimately moved to the United States. She began her football career in the academy of Flamengo in São Luís, where she honed her skills for fewer than six months. However, she soon made a switch to the Cruzeiro Academy, seeking new opportunities to further her development.

At the age of seven, Catarina’s family relocated to Brasília, the capital of Brazil. In Brasília, she joined the Santos Academy and continued her football education there. This period of her career provided her with valuable experiences and training under the guidance of skilled coaches.

In December 2011, at 12, Catarina moved with her family to the United States. After the relocation, she transitioned from playing for men’s teams in Brazil to joining a women’s team in the United States. This shift marked a new chapter in her football journey and opened doors to opportunities in women’s football.

She first played for the San Diego Surf Soccer Club, where she had the first experience of playing with girls her age. Upon enrolling at Torrey Pines High School, Catarina Macario brought an exceptional skill set and added a new dimension to the girls’ team.

Her impact on the team was immediately evident as she showcased her goal-scoring prowess by netting an impressive tally of over 33 goals during her time there.

Catarina Macario’s parents were unwavering in their support of her soccer career, providing her with the encouragement and guidance she needed to pursue her dreams. Their constant presence and belief in her abilities were a strong foundation for her success as a talented female footballer.

Catarina Macario’s Biography – Football Story:

The agile female midfielder’s football journey began at age 4, fueling her love for the sport. She showcased her talent from Flamengo Academy, her first Academy, to Cruzeiro Academy in Brazil.

Moving to Brasília, she thrived at the Santos Academy, drawing attention and setting the stage for success.

Relocating to the United States in 2011, Macario embraced women’s football, transitioning from men’s teams. Before they relocated, her father, Jose Macario, had already written to the San Diego Surf SC Team, informing them of his daughter’s exceptional football skills.

At first, the football team were sceptical given their long history of having ambitious people worldwide writing to them. However, they instinctively knew she was a keeper once they saw the magic Cat was made of. She played for the San Diego Surf Soccer Club from 2012 to 2017.

While in high school, she transformed the girls’ team at Torrey Pines High School, scoring over 33 goals and leaving a lasting impact.

From ages 4 to 17, Macario’s dedication, talent, and passion propelled her forward. Each milestone and academy shaped her skills, paving the way for her future success in women’s football as one of its brightest talents.

Jose Macario and Ann Maria Cantanhede’s constant presence and unwavering belief in her abilities laid a solid foundation for her success as a talented female footballer.

Road to Fame Story:

Upon their arrival in the United States, Macario joined the San Diego Surf SC, marking her introduction to competitive soccer in America. It was a monumental change for her as she had been accustomed to playing in men’s soccer clubs in Brazil, where there were no dedicated girls’ clubs at the time.

At 13, Macario’s journey took another significant turn when she joined her high school girls’ soccer team. This transition allowed her to compete alongside her peers, further developing her skills and gaining valuable experience in women’s football.

Macario’s exceptional talent and dedication caught the attention of the international football community. She proudly represented the United States in Under 14 and Under 15 games, leaving a remarkable impact on the field and contributing to the national team’s success.

These invaluable experiences helped solidify her reputation as a rising star in women’s football, gaining her widespread recognition on the international stage.

Between 13 and 18, Macario’s incredible performances continued to elevate her status. She caught the attention of college coaches nationwide and ultimately committed to playing college soccer for Stanford University, one of the most prestigious programs in the United States.

Catarina Macario’s Bio – Rise to Fame Story:

Following her successful high school career, Catarina transitioned to the collegiate level, joining the Stanford University soccer team. She was honoured as the “Freshman of the Year” and named ESPNW Player of the Year in 2017.

The following year, Macario’s exceptional performance led her to secure the prestigious Hermann Trophy and the ESPNW Player of the Year.

Between 2018 and 2019, she represented the US Under-23 team internationally, scoring five goals in 5 appearances. Typically playing as a midfielder for the United States, Macario’s versatility has also caught the attention of coach Vlatko Andonovski.

In 2019, she continued her outstanding achievements at Stanford, winning the Honda Sports Award and a second Hermann Trophy. At Stanford Cardinal from 2017 to 2020, she made 69 football appearances and scored 63 goals. This is beyond impressive.

Macario made a significant career decision on January 8, 2021, when she revealed her choice to forego her senior season at Stanford and embark on her professional journey. Shortly after, on January 12, 2021, Lyon made an announcement that they had signed Macario for a contract lasting 2.5 years.

On October 8, 2020, Macario received her first call-up to the senior national team, pending FIFA clearance to participate in official matches.

On January 13, 2021, FIFA granted her clearance to represent the United States internationally, leading to her debut on January 18, 2021, as a substitute in a friendly against Colombia.

Macario became the first naturalized citizen to play for the US senior women’s team. In her subsequent appearance against Colombia on January 22, 2021, she made her first start and scored her inaugural international goal.

Personal Life:

Outside of her football career, Catarina Macario values her personal life and cherishes spending quality time with her family. She finds solace in travelling, particularly to destinations like Italy, where she can rejuvenate and unwind.

During her leisure time, when she is not embarking on travels, she takes pleasure in reconnecting with her college friends Madison Haley and Civana Kuhlmann, who are also footballers.

Being a Libra, her zodiac sign exemplifies her inclination towards balance and harmony. This quality seamlessly aligns with her humble disposition, as she radiates an authentic and down-to-earth demeanour both during her athletic pursuits and in her personal life.

Lifestyle:

The energetic female goal-scorer maintains a lifestyle that reflects a sense of frugality and financial responsibility. Despite her numerous sponsorships and partnerships with prominent brands, she is not known to be a flashy or flamboyant spender.

Instead, she demonstrates a prudent approach to her finances, choosing not to splurge on unnecessary items. Macario’s grounded nature and humble upbringing likely contribute to her practical spending habits, prioritizing long-term financial stability over extravagant indulgences.

Untold Facts:

In the concluding section of Catarina Macario’s Biography, we will unveil more facts you might not know about the US midfielder. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

How Rich is the Female Agile Midfielder:

Catarina Macario’s success as a professional footballer has brought her significant financial opportunities.

Cat has paid partnerships and endorsements from renowned brands like Adidas, Visa, and EA Sports FIFA. We are not surprised her net worth is speculated to be around $5 million.

Her accomplishments on and off the field have made her a valuable asset. This allows her to secure lucrative deals that contribute to her financial prosperity.

Catarina Macario’s FIFA:

The female Brazillian goal scorer’s biggest career strength is Ball Control (93), followed by Dribbling and Curve (both at 90). She possesses an all-green rating, as do Margaret Purce (CF), Naomi Girma, and Megan Rapinoe.

Catarina Macario’s Religion:

The Brazilian-born female midfielder is a Christian who embraces her faith as an integral part of her life.

Her Christian beliefs provide her with values, strength, and guidance, shaping her interactions and character on and off the field.

Although the specific details of her religious practices and denomination remain private, her faith plays a significant role in motivating and grounding her as she pursues her soccer career.

EndNote:

Catarina Macario is a Brazilian-American professional footballer born on October 4, 1999. She grew up in São Luís, Brazil, where she developed a love for football at a young age.

In 2011, at 12, she and her family immigrated to the United States. This was where she would embark on a remarkable football journey. Supported by her parents, Jose Macario and Ann Maria Cantanhede, Catarina found immense encouragement and guidance in pursuing her passion for football.

Catarina’s football career began to flourish in the United States. Subsequently, she joined the San Diego Surf Soccer Club, where she made a significant impact. Moreover, her remarkable skills extended to her time with the Torrey Pines High School girl’s soccer team.

Beyond her passion for football, the goal-scoring dynamo finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. Additionally, she indulges in travelling, which provides her with an opportunity to recharge and unwind.

Regarding education, Cat attended Stanford University, where she played collegiate soccer and made a name for herself as one of the most decorated players in the United States. She earned various accolades, including the Hermann Trophy and the Honda Sports Award.

Catarina Macario’s professional career has been nothing short of remarkable. After signing with French club Olympique Lyonnais in January 2021, she quickly made an impact, showcasing her exceptional skills as a forward and midfielder.

The midfield maestro’s performances have garnered widespread acclaim, and she continues to excel on the international stage as a key player for the United States national team.

With each game, she solidifies her status as one of the brightest talents in women’s football, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for reading the story of Catarina Macario, a soccer star who is getting back to her best following her injury history. We care about accuracy and fairness in delivering South American Soccer stories.

Please feel free to reach out to us through the comments section if you come across any discrepancies in this memoir of the dynamic Brazilian midfielder.

Likewise, we would appreciate your feedback on the career of the female goal-scoring phenomenon and our remarkable article highlighting her achievements.

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