McKenna Whitman, 14, reportedly becomes youngest to play pro soccer in US
McKenna “Mak” Whitham turned 14 on July 27.
A 14-year-old has reportedly become the youngest person to play professional soccer in the United States.
McKenna "Mak" Whitham set the record in her debut Sunday -- one day after her 14th birthday -- with the National Women's Soccer League's NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The NWSL posted on the social platform X about Whitham after her appearance in Gotham FC's 1-0 game against the Washington Spirit.
"Professional debut ✅ 14-year-old Mak Whitham goes into the history books!" the league wrote.
“Signing her first professional contract, just celebrated her 14th birthday, and making her @NWSL debut in the same week?! We’re so happy to have you, Mak Whitham!! 🖤” Gotham FC added in another post on X.
In a statement to “Good Morning America,” Gotham FC celebrated Whitham’s debut.
"We are incredibly excited for Mak to make her debut last night. This is a great step in her journey as a professional athlete, and she has worked hard to get to this point," Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West said.
Whitham, a native of California, is a national team replacement while NWSL players are competing for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Whitham signed a four-year deal, which begins Jan. 1, 2025, and is guaranteed until 2028, according to a July 26 release from Gotham FC.
A forward, Whitham became the youngest to sign a contract with the NWSL when she was 13 and is, so far, the youngest athlete in any sport to sign an NIL, or name, image and likeness, deal with Nike.
"My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player," Whitham told ESPN after signing with Gotham.
Whitman broke the record just weeks after Cavan Sullivan made his debut in MLS with the Philadelphia Union at 14 years and 293 days old, then a record for youngest pro player in the U.S.
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