Young Stars Shine in the NWSL: The Promises of Women’s Soccer
The NWSL has opened its doors to young prospects, and age is no longer an impediment to talent. With the abolition of the college draft and the introduction of scouting events for young talents, more and more teams are identifying players capable of making a difference. Here is the ranking of the best players under 19 years old in the league. Many of these young women have already debuted with their national teams, while others shine in lower categories, demonstrating enormous potential. Following the departure of figures like Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Olivia Moultrie, as well as Japanese international Manaka Matsukubo, the landscape of young talents remains vibrant. This year, the number of teenagers in the NWSL has increased, promising a bright future for the league. Who are the stars of the present and the future?
- 21. Zoe Matthews
Position: Defender
Club: Houston Dash (on loan to Dux Logroño)
Country: USA Matthews is on loan in Spain until June 2026, which will allow her to gain experience to take on a more important role in Houston. She is a regular in the US youth selections.
- 20. Katie Scott
Position: Defender
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA Scott is in the process of adapting to the league. Although he doesn’t have many minutes currently, he is on a team with great development potential.
- 19. Mak Whitham
Position: Forward
Club: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Country: USA The youngest player in the league, Whitham, has played in several league and Concacaf Champions Cup matches. These minutes are valuable for her development.
- 18. KK Ream
Position: Forward
Club: Utah Royals
Country: USA Ream joined Utah at 15 and became the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history. In addition, she is part of the US team that will compete in the U-17 World Cup.
- 17. Micayla Johnson
Position: Forward
Club: Chicago Stars FC
Country: USA Johnson offers hope for the future of the Stars. He scored his first professional goal before going to the U-17 World Cup. Chicago signed her to a long-term contract.
- 16. Ainsley McCammon
Position: Midfielder
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA McCammon has been gaining minutes in Seattle. Despite not having goals, he has played 14 matches, demonstrating the trust of coach Laura Harvey.
- 15. Chloe Ricketts
Position: Midfielder
Club: Houston Dash (pre-contract with Boston Legacy for 2026)
Country: USA Ricketts will have a new opportunity in the NWSL expansion team, Boston Legacy FC, with a two-year contract. Her playing style is exciting.
- 14. Alex Pfeiffer
Position: Forward
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA Pfeiffer debuted with the Kansas Current scoring a goal at 16 years old. Her 2024 season was cut short by a knee injury.
- 13. Mary Long
Position: Forward
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA Long has been gaining minutes in his debut season. He has been a regular in the lower categories of the US and helped the U-17 team finish third in the 2024 World Cup. He has one assist in nine games with Kansas City.
- 12. Melanie Barcenas
Position: Winger
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA Barcenas is a viral player for her dribbling. Her next challenge is production, seeking clear goal opportunities.
- 11. Casey Phair
Position: Forward
Club: Angel City FC (on loan to Djurgården)
Country: South Korea Phair signed a contract extension and was loaned to the Damallsvenskan in Sweden. She has played more minutes there than at Angel City, but continues to struggle to get more appearances.
- 10. Valerin Loboa
Position: Forward
Club: Portland Thorns FC
Country: Colombia Portland invested in Loboa, with a contract until 2028. He scored his first international goal and played in the Copa América for Colombia, demonstrating his potential.
- 9. Laila Harbert
Position: Midfielder
Club: Portland Thorns FC (on loan from Arsenal)
Country: England Harbert, who has been on loan during her career at Arsenal, has high expectations. Her loan in Portland is a great opportunity for her.
- 8. Trinity Armstrong
Position: Defender
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA Armstrong is strong in duels and is growing as a central defender. He has demonstrated his ability to handle the position, replacing Naomi Girma.
- 7. Emeri Adames
Position: Forward
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA Adames leads the teenagers with six goals, demonstrating her ability to change the course of the matches. Her goal against San Diego is a display of her talent.
- 6. Kimmi Ascanio
Position: Forward
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA Ascanio has been compared to Tobin Heath. Her production has increased, with four goals and one assist. Her playing style is unique.
- 5. Riley Jackson
Position: Midfielder
Club: North Carolina Courage
Country: USA Jackson is known for her exquisite passing ability. Although North Carolina has struggled, her potential is evident.
- 4. Kennedy Fuller
Position: Midfielder
Club: Angel City FC
Country: USA Fuller has been a bright spot in Angel City, with four goals and three assists. She is a dynamic player with great decision-making and potential to be a number 10 in the long term.
- 3. Jordyn Bugg
Position: Defender
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA Bugg has been compared to Naomi Girma. She is a pillar in the Seattle Reign defense and recently debuted with the U.S. national team. Her vision and technical ability make her an elite center-back.
- 2. Gisele Thompson
Position: Defender
Club: Angel City FC
Country: USA Although her sister Alyssa is better known, Gisele is also making waves in the NWSL. With five assists, she leads the league and her future could be in a more offensive position.
- 1. Claire Hutton
Position: Midfielder
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA Hutton is a key player for the Kansas City Current, which could become the best team in NWSL history. She is a brave defensive midfielder, capable of protecting the defense and initiating the attack with precise passes. Her future with the U.S. national team is promising.
