Who / What
Alyssa Paola Thompson is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward. She was selected first overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Angel City FC and currently plays for Women's Super League club Chelsea and the United States women's national team.
Background & History
Thompson was born on November 7, 2004. She gained national recognition by being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2021. A significant milestone was being drafted first overall by Angel City FC in 2023 while still in high school, marking her entry into professional soccer.
Why Notable
Thompson's notable achievement is being the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft directly from high school, highlighting her exceptional talent at a young age. Her selection as the national Gatorade Player of the Year underscores her status as one of the top youth players in the country. Playing for both a top European club and the US national team demonstrates her significant impact and potential in women's soccer.
In the News
Her recent move to Chelsea in the Women's Super League marks a major step in her professional career. Being drafted first overall by Angel City FC while in high school was a landmark event that garnered significant media attention for the NWSL.
