OL hit hard.
The Lyon women's club has secured the services of Catarina Macario, considered the future of football in the United States.
Aged 21, the player arrives with a solid reputation across the Atlantic.
Born in Brazil and naturalized American, the striker could make her debut in the United States team, Monday, January 18, against Colombia.
"This is probably the most significant operation in the history of women's OL ... Catarina is an icon in the US and she will bring us a lot," said OL president Jean-Michel Aulas. , on Twitter.
Catarina Macario: "Can't wait to experience this new adventure at OL" https://t.co/IFHxXcOZVF @OLfeminin @OL This is probably the most significant operation in the history of women's OL ... Catarina is an icon in the US and she will bring us a lot 🙏👍
- Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) January 13, 2021
However, the Lyon president has seen the best players on the planet pass, whether it is Megan Rapinoe or the 2018 Golden Ball Ada Hegerberg.
Its workforce dominates current women's football and even offered itself a fifth consecutive Champions League in August 2020. Also the craze for the young phenomenon is far from trivial.
Two-time best university player
A native of Sao Luis, northeastern Brazil, Catarina Macario moved to San Diego, California in 2011 with the goal of becoming a soccer player.
A dream that came true: in 2017, she joined the Stanford university team.
See this post on Instagram
A post shared by Catarina Macario (@catarina_macario)
Author of 63 goals and 47 assists in 68 appearances for Stanford, the player won the United States University National Championships (NCAA) in 2017 and 2019 with her team.
She became the fifth woman in history to twice win the Hermann Trophy, which rewards the best player in the competition.
She even decided to quit the varsity championship a year early to turn pro, then tipped to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NWSL draft, the American Women's Championship.
"OL represent victory, success"
But at the same time, proposals are pouring in from Europe: Real Madrid, PSG or Bayern Munich are in line to convince the young nugget to sign in their team.
It is ultimately a discussion with Ada Hergerberg that will convince her to opt for OL.
"I got her on the phone. She told me about Lyon and she saw us becoming a major duo to take the team even higher. Ada said she was looking forward to playing with a player as smart as me. ", she tells the American media CBS.
“I was like, 'Wow! Thank you!'.
'It was just very flattering to hear that from one of the best in the world.
I know she will be back [from injury] very soon and that she will be unstoppable.
I hope we will both contribute to Lyon's success and hopefully win another Champions League. "
On the club's official website, Catarina Macario highlights OL's reputation in women's football, an argument that convinced her to join the banks of the RhĂ´ne.
A reputation that has reached the United States, where the franchise owned by the club, OL Reign, has climbed the last two years in the semi-finals of the NWSL.
Olympique Lyonnais is very happy to announce the arrival of the American international midfielder @catarinamacario, from the Stanford university team, for two and a half seasons, until June 30, 2023. 🔴🔵 # Welcome Catarina pic.twitter.com/rlUdmgwajQ
- OL FĂ©minin (@OLfeminin) January 12, 2021
“OL represent victory, success, the best players in women's football. It also represents gender equality in football, a very high level training environment. I can't wait to be part of this club ", explains the young player.
"The club will be able to make me progress as a player but also as a person. A club of this level will force me to work hard every day to stay competitive and win titles."
By joining OL, Catarina Macario is part of a long tradition of American players wearing the Rhone tunic.
Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and goalie Hope Solo have all been through the club.
"I know that a lot of American players and other players around the world have played for OL. There is a strong history with a lot of victories," said Catarina Macario, who is "eager" to do her part.
In line for Tokyo
Born in Brazil, Catarina Macario explained why she had opted for American sports nationality: "The United States has a tradition of women's football. You have to see the atmosphere when they play ... In comparison, women's football is almost shunned in the world. Brazil compared to that of men. "
She obtained her citizenship in the fall and has since completed several internships with the world champions.
The midfielder could play his first minutes in the selection from January 18 against Colombia, FIFA having validated his change of sporting nationality last week.
Catarina Macario would also be eligible to participate in the Olympics this summer… if ever they take place.
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