McKenna Whitham makes American soccer history with NWSL debut

Talk about a busy few days for McKenna Whitham, who over the weekend became the youngest professional player in the history of American soccer.

Whitham signed with Gotham FC on July 26 as a 13-year-old. On July 24, she turned 14-years old and then one day later on Sunday, Whitham came on in the 80th minute of Gotham’s NWSL match.

So in the span of three days, Whitham became the youngest signing in NWSL history and then the youngest ever player to step on the field in a professional league in the United States.

In February, the forward signed an endorsement deal with Nike.

Gotham defeated the Washington Spirit on Sunday 1-0.

 

HISTORY

McKenna Whitham becomes the YOUNGEST-EVER first division professional soccer player in United States history at 14 years, 1 day pic.twitter.com/Q7YuJTnVTH

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 29, 2024

Whitham is making waves as a member of the U15 United States national team. From California, she played her club soccer for Slammers FC (a developmental arm of Danish club side HB Køge).

The match took place at Subaru Park (Chester, Pennsylvania) and was part of the NWSL x Liga MX cup that features American teams lining up against Mexican clubs.

Two weeks ago at Subaru Park, 14-year old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union became the youngest player in MLS history.