Alyssa Paola Thompson: The Rising Star in American Soccer and Her Journey to Success
Alyssa Paola Thompson, born on November 7, 2004, is a talented American professional soccer player known for her outstanding skills as a forward in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Angel City FC and the United States women’s national team.
Her remarkable achievements have earned her prestigious accolades, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021.
Early Life and Education Hailing from Studio City, California, in the vibrant Los Angeles area, Alyssa attended The Wesley School in North Hollywood.
Even at the young age of 8, she showcased her competitive spirit by racing and defeating the fastest boy at her school.
Her parents, Karen and Mario, recognized her talent and enrolled both Alyssa and her sister Gisele in Total Futbol Academy (TFA) in 2013. The sisters played on boys’ teams, gaining valuable experience and honing their skills.
At the age of 13, Alyssa was already playing alongside players four years older than her. She later joined Elite Clubs National League club Real So Cal before transferring back to TFA in 2020.
Here, she played for its under-19 team in the MLS Next League, making her the only female player in the league.
During her high school years at Harvard-Westlake School, Alyssa’s soccer prowess continued to shine as she scored an impressive 48 goals in 18 games during her freshman and sophomore years.
National team and club commitments prevented her from playing during her junior season, but her talent caught the attention of professional teams.
At just 15 years old, Alyssa verbally committed to Stanford University, planning to join the Cardinal in 2023.
However, she later decided to pursue her professional career and entered the 2023 NWSL Draft, catching the eye of Angel City FC.
On January 12, 2023, Alyssa Thompson was chosen as the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft by Angel City FC.
The team secured the pick through a three-team trade involving Portland Thorns and Gotham FC, making her one of the most expensive players in league history.
Alyssa signed a three-year deal with Angel City FC while still attending her senior year of high school.
Her professional debut was nothing short of remarkable, as she scored just five minutes into a friendly match against Club América of Liga MX Femenil.
In her NWSL regular-season debut, she scored a goal in a 1–2 loss against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Alyssa’s exceptional performances earned her the NWSL Rookie of the Month award for March–April 2023.
International Career Alyssa has represented the United States in both the senior and under-20 national teams.
She played a vital role in leading the under-20 team to victory at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, scoring three goals in five matches.
In September 2022, she was called up to the senior national team, making her the youngest player since Sophia Smith in 2017.
Alyssa made her senior team debut at Wembley Stadium during a friendly against England in front of 90,000 fans.
Playing Style and Personal Life Alyssa is admired for her outstanding pace and tenacity on the field, which sets her apart as a standout player.
Off the field, she embraces her multicultural background, being of Filipino and Peruvian descent.
Her parents, Karen and Mario, have been unwavering in their support, and she shares a close bond with her sisters, Gisele and Zoe, who is also soccer player.
Alyssa’s achievements have caught the attention of major brands, and both she and her sister Gisele signed endorsement deals with Nike, making them the first high school athletes to do so.
Beyond soccer, Alyssa is also a talented track runner, achieving remarkable success in the 100m sprint.
Future Endeavors and Recognition Alyssa Thompson‘s journey is far from over, and her remarkable talents have already garnered honors and awards.
She continues to make strides on and off the field, leaving an indelible mark on the world of soccer.
As she represents the United States in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she is set to shine even brighter, inspiring the next generation of soccer players and fans worldwide.
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