A 14-year-old boy has reportedly become the youngest player to play professional soccer in the United States.
McKenna “Mac” Witham set a record on Sunday, the day after her 14th birthday, during her debut for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
The NWSL posted about Witham on social platform X, after he took part in the 1-0 match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit.
“PRO DEBUT ✅ 14-year-old Mac Witham makes history!” the league wrote.
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Witham, a California native, will be a substitute for the national team while NWSL players compete for the U.S. team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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According to a July 26 announcement by Gotham FC, Witham signed a guaranteed four-year contract running from January 1, 2025 until 2028.
At 13 years old, forward Whisam became the youngest player ever to sign an NWSL contract and is thus far the youngest player in sports to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike.
“My goal is to become a top player in the NWSL and I know Gotham will help me get there,” Wissam told ESPN after signing with Gotham.
Whitman's record came just a few weeks after Cavan Sullivan made his MLS debut for the Philadelphia Union at 14 years and 293 days old, making him the youngest professional player in the United States at the time.
14-year-old McKenna Whitman has reportedly become the youngest player to play professional soccer in the United States. Originally published on goodmorningamerica.com
