Catarina Macario’s Stunning Comeback Defines USWNT’s Transformational 2025 Season

Catarina Macario has re-emerged as the USWNT’s premier attacking force. The 24-year-old forward finished 2025 as the team’s top scorer with eight goals. Her remarkable comeback from a devastating ACL injury has reshaped the national team’s identity under new coach Emma Hayes.

This resurgence was on full display during the recent international window. Macario scored three goals across two dominant wins against Italy, signaling her full return to world-class form and providing a clear focal point for a squad in transition.

A Season of Resurgence and Record-Breaking Form

Macario’s journey back to the pinnacle of the sport was arduous. She suffered an ACL tear in June 2022 while playing for Lyon. The injury and subsequent recovery sidelined her for nearly two full years, a period she described as immensely challenging both physically and mentally.

Her patience and relentless work culminated in a spectacular 2025 campaign. According to Sports Illustrated, she scored seven goals in her final seven starts for the USWNT this year. The recent friendlies against Italy, a top-12 global side, were her masterpiece.

She netted a brace in a 3-0 victory in Orlando. Days later, she sealed a 2-0 win in Fort Lauderdale with an audacious chip over the goalkeeper. That moment of technical brilliance announced her complete return. Coach Emma Hayes immediately praised her restored “swagger” and confidence on the field.

The Statistical Backbone of a New USWNT Era

The numbers firmly establish Macario as the heartbeat of the new-look American side. Finishing as the outright top scorer in a year where Hayes tested 16 new players is significant. Her eight goals provided crucial stability for a team posting a 12-3 record against formidable opposition.

Her impact transcended simple goal totals. She became the creative hub, linking play and creating space for a younger generation. Teenager Lily Yohannes, who earned her first caps this year, connected with Macario for several key goals, showcasing a promising new partnership.

This synergy is central to Hayes’s long-term project. The coach likened her team-building process to a “slow-cooked stew.” Macario, now fully fit and thriving, is a key ingredient. Her performances have solidified her role as the offensive leader as the team builds towards 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Leadership Forged Through Adversity

Macario’s value extends far beyond the penalty box. Her experience of overcoming a career-threatening injury has granted her a unique perspective. She now mentors emerging talents like Jaedyn Shaw, who scored her debut goal alongside Macario against Italy.

Hayes has emphasized creating an environment where players feel “valued and seen.” Macario’s resurgence is a direct product of that philosophy. The trust between player and coach is palpable and has accelerated the team’s tactical development. The USWNT displayed controlled, mature performances against Italy, a direct reflection of this growing confidence.

The team’s 2025 schedule is now complete. They will reconvene in January 2026 to face Paraguay. Macario will enter that new cycle as the favorite for U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year—a title that seemed a distant dream during her long rehabilitation.

Catarina Macario’s 2025 comeback is more than a personal triumph; it’s the defining narrative of the USWNT’s new chapter. Her scoring prowess and hardened leadership provide the reliable foundation upon which Emma Hayes is constructing the team’s future.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: How long was Catarina Macario out with her ACL injury?

Macario was sidelined for nearly two full years. She suffered the injury in June 2022 and did not return to full competitive action until the 2024 club season with Chelsea, with her USWNT return following shortly after.

Q2: What were her final scoring stats for the USWNT in 2025?

She finished the year as the team’s top scorer with eight total goals. Notably, seven of those eight goals came in her final seven starts for the national team, highlighting her peak form.

Q3: Who is the USWNT coach, and what has she said about Macario?

Emma Hayes took over as head coach in June 2024. She has consistently praised Macario’s “swagger” and technical quality, stating the forward now looks “valued and seen” within the squad’s new system.

Q4: How did the USWNT perform overall in 2025?

The team had a strong record of 12 wins and 3 losses. The defeats came against high-quality opponents: Japan, Brazil, and Portugal. The year was used to integrate many new players into the pool.

Q5: What is next for the USWNT after 2025?

The team’s next matches are scheduled for January 2026, beginning with a fixture against Paraguay. The focus will then shift fully to preparations for 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournaments.

Q6: Why is Macario’s comeback so significant for the team’s future?

Her return provides a proven, world-class scorer and creative leader during a period of major squad turnover. She offers a reliable focal point for a young attacking group as the team rebuilds its identity.