Lily Yohannes, 16, Scores in U.S. Soccer Debut

Lily Yohannes, at just 16 years old, has become the youngest athlete to join the United States women’s national soccer team in over two decades. This milestone was marked by an impressive performance that captured the attention of soccer fans worldwide. During her international debut, Yohannes made an immediate impact by scoring a goal, solidifying her position as the third-youngest scorer in the history of the team. Her swift ascent into the national spotlight highlights her exceptional talent and potential for a bright future in soccer.

Yohannes, who primarily plays as a midfielder, will turn 17 next week. She scored her debut goal within just 10 minutes of stepping onto the field in a friendly match against South Korea. This remarkable feat underscores her readiness and skill at an international level. Born in Virginia, Yohannes is not only the eighth-youngest player to debut for the national team but also the youngest since 2001. Her journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements, reflecting her dedication and passion for the sport.

Her soccer career began to flourish when she joined Ajax, a renowned Dutch women’s soccer club, at the age of 15. In November, Yohannes made history by becoming the youngest player ever to start a UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage match. Additionally, she became the youngest American to compete in the Champions League, showcasing her abilities on one of the biggest stages in women’s soccer. The Yohannes family, of Eritrean-American descent, relocated to the Netherlands when Lily was just 10 years old to support her burgeoning soccer career. This move has evidently paid off, as Yohannes continues to achieve new milestones.

“It’s a dream come true, really,” Yohannes expressed emotionally after scoring her debut goal. This statement encapsulates the joy and fulfillment she feels in achieving such a significant milestone at a young age.

The future of Yohannes with the U.S. team remains a point of interest. She is currently in the process of applying for Dutch citizenship, a move that could make her eligible to play for the Netherlands national team. Given that she has only participated in a friendly match for the U.S., she retains the option to switch national teams. This potential shift adds an intriguing element to her career trajectory and raises questions about where her international allegiance will ultimately lie.

Yohannes’s debut came under the leadership of Emma Hayes, the new head coach of the U.S. women’s soccer team. Hayes, who has an illustrious coaching career with Chelsea in England, signed a contract with the U.S. team in November, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s soccer. She replaced Vlatko Andonovski, who stepped down following the U.S. team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup and their subpar performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. These setbacks were uncharacteristic for a team that has historically dominated the sport, boasting four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals. Hayes’s appointment and Yohannes’s emergence signify a new chapter for the U.S. women’s soccer team, one that fans and analysts will be keenly watching.