Alyssa Thompson is one of the brightest young stars in American soccer. At just 19 years old, she has already made history in the NWSL, earned a place on the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), and shown incredible potential. Her speed, skill, and attacking mindset make her a future star for both club and country.
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Early Life and Youth Career
A Passion for Soccer from the Start
Alyssa Thompson was born on November 7, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a sports-loving family and played soccer with her younger sister, Gisele. From a young age, Thompson stood out for her speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.
Dominating Youth Soccer
Thompson joined Total Futbol Academy (TFA), where she trained with boys' teams to challenge herself. This experience helped her develop quick decision-making and physical toughness. She later moved to Santa Clarita Blue Heat, a semi-pro team, where she competed against older and more experienced players.
Nike’s First High School Athlete
Her talent caught the attention of major brands. In 2022, she became the first high school athlete to sign a contract with Nike, a historic moment for women’s soccer. This deal showed how highly she was regarded as a future star.
Breakthrough in the NWSL
The No. 1 Overall Draft Pick
In 2023, Thompson made another bold move. She skipped college soccer and declared for the NWSL Draft. Angel City FC selected her as the No. 1 overall pick, making her the youngest player ever taken first in the draft.
Instant Impact with Angel City FC
At just 18 years old, Thompson debuted for Angel City FC and immediately impressed. Her speed and technical ability helped her break through defenses with ease. She quickly became one of the team’s most exciting players.
Adjusting to the Pro Level
Despite her young age, Thompson adapted well to the physicality and pace of the NWSL. She played against some of the best defenders in the league and continued to grow with every match. Her confidence, dribbling, and ability to take on defenders made her a key player for Angel City.
U.S. Women’s National Team Journey
First Call-Up to the USWNT
Thompson’s performances at the club level earned her a call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2022. At just 17 years old, she became one of the youngest players to wear the USWNT jersey in recent years.
Debut for the USWNT
In October 2022, Thompson made her senior national team debut against England at Wembley Stadium. Facing one of the best teams in the world, she showed composure and confidence beyond her years.
Making the 2023 Women’s World Cup Squad
Thompson’s rapid rise continued in 2023 when she earned a spot on the USWNT roster for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Though she played limited minutes, the experience was invaluable. She trained with world-class players like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Sophia Smith, learning from some of the best in the game.
Playing Style: What Makes Thompson Special?
1. Blazing Speed
Thompson is one of the fastest players in women’s soccer. Her ability to sprint past defenders makes her a dangerous attacking threat. She uses her speed to create space, beat defenders, and break away on counterattacks.
2. Elite Dribbling Ability
She has excellent footwork and control. Thompson loves to take defenders on one-on-one and can glide past them with ease. Her ability to change direction quickly makes her hard to stop.
3. Versatility in Attack
She can play as a winger, forward, or attacking midfielder. This flexibility allows coaches to use her in different roles. Whether on the left, right, or center, she can make an impact.
4. Confident and Fearless Mentality
Despite her young age, Thompson plays with confidence. She is not afraid to take risks, shoot from distance, or go at defenders. Her fearless approach makes her a constant attacking threat.
5. Strong Work Ethic
She has a relentless work rate. Thompson tracks back defensively, presses opponents, and always looks to improve. Her dedication will help her become an even better player in the future.
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Challenges and Areas for Improvement
1. Finishing Consistency
Thompson creates a lot of chances but needs to improve her finishing. With more experience, she will become a more clinical goal-scorer.
2. Strength and Physicality
The NWSL is a physical league. As she matures, adding more strength will help her compete better against stronger defenders.
3. Decision-Making in the Final Third
She has the creativity to beat defenders, but she can improve her final passes and decision-making near goal. With time, she will refine this aspect of her game.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Thompson?
1. Becoming a USWNT Star
Thompson is part of the next generation of USWNT stars. With Megan Rapinoe retiring and other veterans aging, she has a chance to become a key player for the U.S. in the next decade.
2. Competing for the 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics could be her next major international tournament. If she continues to impress, she could play a big role for the USWNT on the world stage.
3. Winning Trophies with Angel City
Angel City FC is building a strong squad, and Thompson could help them challenge for NWSL titles in the coming years. As she develops, she could become the face of the franchise.
4. Moving to Europe?
Many top U.S. players have moved to Europe to play for clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Lyon. If she keeps improving, she might attract interest from Europe’s elite teams in the future.
Conclusion
Alyssa Thompson’s rise in soccer has been incredible. From dominating youth soccer to being the No. 1 NWSL Draft pick and making the USWNT, she has achieved a lot at a young age.
Her speed, dribbling, and fearless mentality make her one of the most exciting young players in the world. If she continues to develop, she will become a superstar for the U.S. and Angel City FC.
The future is bright for Alyssa Thompson, and this is just the beginning of her journey.
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