Lily Yohannes, the 17-year-old soccer prodigy, has officially confirmed her commitment to represent the United States on the international stage. After much consideration, the talented midfielder, who had been weighing her options between the U.S. and the Netherlands, made her decision clear in a social media post on Monday.
A decision rooted in family and heritage
In her heartfelt announcement, Yohannes explained that her choice was driven by a deep connection to her roots. "After much consideration, I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States. The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides. These strong connections have driven me to honour my roots and proudly commit to U.S. Soccer," she shared.
Born in Virginia, Yohannes moved to the Netherlands at the age of 10. Over the years, she has had the privilege of training with both the U.S. and Dutch youth national teams. At just 15 years old, she signed with Dutch club Ajax, quickly rising through the ranks to become a key player in the team’s midfield.
A rising star on the global stage
Yohannes' journey to the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) has been nothing short of impressive. In March, she received her first senior call-up ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, making history as the youngest player to do so since Sophia Smith. A few months later, she made her international debut in a friendly match against South Korea, scoring a remarkable goal just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Despite her involvement with the U.S. squad, Yohannes still had the option to represent the Netherlands due to the friendly nature of the match. As recently as April, she had been in the process of applying for Dutch citizenship, which would have made her eligible to play for the Netherlands. However, her decision to join the U.S. team marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
A future star in the U.S. midfield
Known for her exceptional ball control, vision, and knack for scoring stunning goals, Yohannes is considered a game-changer in the midfield. At Ajax, she has earned a reputation as a consistent starter, demonstrating her ability to navigate tight spaces and contribute to both offensive and defensive play.
With the USWNT boasting an elite squad of forwards and one of the best defences in the world, Yohannes’ addition could provide the vital spark the team needs in midfield.
As the U.S. looks ahead to the next phase of its international campaign, Yohannes' youth and talent make her a valuable asset. The U.S. Women’s National Team is set to close out 2024 with friendlies against England and the Netherlands, marking the team’s first European matches since January 2023. With her commitment to the U.S. now official, Yohannes will likely be a strong contender for future call-ups.
The road ahead
Head coach Emma Hayes is expected to announce the next USWNT roster in the coming weeks, and Yohannes’ inclusion seems almost certain. As the team enters a new era of success, the addition of a dynamic young midfielder like Yohannes strengthens its already formidable squad.
