Gisele Thompson Bio
Gisele Olivia Thompson (born December 2, 2005) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back for Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Thompson made her professional debut for Angel City in her hometown of Los Angeles on March 17, 2024. She has achieved notable success at a young age, winning bronze medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Gisele Thompson was born in Los Angeles, California, to parents Mario and Karen Thompson. She has an older sister, Alyssa, who is also a professional soccer player. The Thompson family has a diverse heritage, including African-American, Filipino, and Peruvian roots. At the age of eight, Gisele and Alyssa were enrolled in the Total Futbol Academy, where they competed on boys’ teams. In 2015, they transferred to Real So Cal, a club in the Elite Clubs National League, where they continued their development until the COVID-19 pandemic halted sporting events.
In early 2023, Gisele began training with Angel City FC, which had drafted her sister Alyssa as the number one pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. This early exposure to professional soccer set the stage for Gisele’s own career in the sport.
Path to Soccer
Gisele Thompson’s journey in soccer began at a young age, influenced by her family’s commitment to the sport. After playing for Real So Cal, she joined the Santa Clarita Blue Heat in the second-division United Women’s Soccer league, where she and her sister were the only high school students in the league. This experience provided her with valuable playing time and exposure to competitive soccer.
In December 2023, Angel City FC announced that they had signed Thompson to a three-year professional contract. This signing was significant as it allowed her to bypass the college soccer route she had initially committed to at Stanford, due to NWSL rules permitting direct signing for players under 18. Gisele’s contract runs through the 2025 season, with an option to extend through 2026.
Gisele Thompson Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Gisele Thompson began her professional career with the Santa Clarita Blue Heat in 2022, where she quickly made a name for herself. Her time with the Blue Heat allowed her to gain experience and develop her skills as a right back. In 2023, she was part of the United States U-19 national team, contributing to their success at the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship.
In March 2024, Thompson made her professional debut for Angel City FC, coming on as a substitute for her sister Alyssa in a match against Bay FC. This debut marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her potential on a larger stage.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Gisele Thompson’s breakthrough came during the 2024 season with Angel City FC. After missing a few games due to a minor ankle injury, she started her first match on May 18, 2024, against Washington Spirit. This match was historic as it marked the first time in NWSL history that two sisters were named to the starting lineup for the same team.
Thompson recorded her first NWSL assist on October 20, 2024, during a match against Utah Royals, which was also the 100th goal in Angel City’s history. She scored her first professional goal on May 2, 2025, against Washington Spirit, assisted by her sister Alyssa, making them the first sisters to combine for a goal in NWSL history. On June 6, 2025, she was named to the NWSL Best XI of the month for her outstanding performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Gisele Thompson has quickly established herself as a rising star in women’s soccer. Her notable achievements include winning bronze medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She has also made history by being part of the first sister duo to play together in the NWSL and to combine for a goal.
Gisele Thompson Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Gisele Thompson has received recognition for her contributions to soccer, particularly at the youth level. Her performances with the United States national teams have garnered attention, and she is expected to continue making an impact in the sport.
Gisele Thompson Awards Won
Gisele Thompson has achieved notable success early in her career, including winning bronze medals at both the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. These accomplishments highlight her talent and potential as a professional soccer player.
Gisele Thompson Family
Gisele Thompson was born to Mario and Karen Thompson, who have supported her and her sister Alyssa in their soccer careers. The family’s commitment to sports has played a crucial role in Gisele’s development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Gisele Thompson is known for her dedication to soccer and her family. She and her sister Alyssa have made headlines as the first high school athletes to sign name, image, and likeness deals with Nike. Gisele also ran track at Harvard-Westlake School, showcasing her athletic versatility.
