Alyssa Thompson Bio
Alyssa Paola Thompson (born November 7, 2004) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Women’s Super League club Chelsea and the United States women’s national team. She was named the national Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021. She was selected first overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Angel City while in high school.
Early Life and Background
Alyssa Thompson was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Studio City. She attended The Wesley School in North Hollywood, where she showcased her competitive spirit early on by racing against the fastest boy in her school and winning. At the age of 9, her parents, Mario and Karen Thompson, enrolled her and her sister Gisele in Total Futbol Academy (TFA) to compete on boys’ teams. After two years, they moved to Real So Cal, where they played until the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their training. By the age of 13, Alyssa was playing with teammates who were four years her senior. In 2020, she returned to TFA and played for its under-19 team in the MLS Next league, becoming the only female player in that league.
Path to Soccer
During her high school years, Alyssa attended Harvard-Westlake School, where she played soccer and scored an impressive 48 goals in just 18 games during her freshman and sophomore years. However, national team and club commitments prevented her from participating in her junior season. Despite this, she was drafted into professional soccer while still a senior in high school. In April 2021, she earned recognition as the Gatorade Player of the Year, highlighting her exceptional talent and potential in the sport.
Alyssa Thompson Career
Early Career (2023)
Alyssa Thompson’s professional career began when she was selected first overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Angel City FC. This selection was part of a significant trade that made her one of the most valuable players in league history. She signed a three-year contract with Angel City, making her professional debut while still attending high school. In her first match, she scored just five minutes into the game against Club América. Thompson continued to impress, scoring her first NWSL goal in her regular-season debut on March 26, 2023, against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Her performance earned her the NWSL Rookie of the Month award for March and April 2023.
Breakthrough (2023-2024)
Thompson’s breakout season included several notable performances. She scored her first regular-season goal in a match against Kansas City Current and contributed to her team’s first playoff appearance. In May 2024, she became the youngest player in NWSL history to record assists in three consecutive matches. Additionally, she made headlines by becoming the first player in NWSL history to start alongside her sister Gisele in a match. Thompson’s skill on the field was further highlighted when she scored her first professional hat-trick in a friendly match in July 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alyssa Thompson’s signature work includes her impressive debut season with Angel City FC, where she scored four goals and provided two assists. She was also nominated for Rookie of the Year at the end of the season. In 2025, she signed a contract extension with Angel City, ensuring her presence in the team until 2028. Thompson’s contributions have made her a key player in the league, and she continues to break records and set new milestones.
Alyssa Thompson Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Alyssa Thompson has received several nominations, including being nominated for the NWSL Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of her first season.
Alyssa Thompson Awards Won
Alyssa Thompson has achieved notable accolades, including being named the National Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021 and winning a gold medal at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. Additionally, she was recognized as the NWSL Rookie of the Month in 2023 for her outstanding performance during the early part of her professional career.
Alyssa Thompson Family
Alyssa Thompson is the daughter of Mario and Karen Thompson. She has two younger sisters, Gisele and Zoe. Gisele plays for Angel City FC, showcasing the family’s strong ties to soccer and their shared passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Alyssa Thompson is of African-American, Filipino, and Peruvian descent. She has demonstrated her athleticism beyond soccer by excelling in track, where she recorded a 100m sprint time of 11.74 seconds in 2022, ranking among the fastest in California at that time. Thompson has also signed endorsement deals with prominent brands like Nike and Volkswagen, further establishing her presence in the sports industry.
