Madison Mercado Bio
Madison Mercado (born April 1, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. She played college soccer for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before being selected by the Reign in the second round of the 2024 NWSL Draft. Mercado has quickly established herself in the league and is known for her skillful play and determination on the field.
Early Life and Background
Madison Mercado was raised in San Diego, California. She attended Cathedral Catholic High School, where she played soccer and contributed to the team’s success, helping them become the 2016 CIF Southern California High School Champions. Mercado’s early exposure to soccer came through playing youth soccer for San Diego Surf SC in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). Her parents both played tennis at the collegiate level, with her mother advancing to a professional career, which likely influenced Mercado’s competitive spirit and dedication to sports.
Path to Soccer
Mercado’s journey in soccer began at a young age, where she honed her skills in youth leagues. Her talent was recognized early on, and in 2017, she earned the title of Western Conference Player of the Year. This accolade set the stage for her collegiate career, where she played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2019 to 2023. During her time at Notre Dame, Mercado made significant contributions to the team, including scoring her first goal in her sophomore year and being named to the ACC All-Academic Team multiple times.
Madison Mercado Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Madison Mercado’s collegiate career at Notre Dame was marked by impressive performances and consistent growth as a player. In 2022, she scored a career-high 10 goals and provided 4 assists, leading her team in goals and points. Her contributions helped the Fighting Irish advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I women’s soccer tournament for the first time in a decade. Mercado’s final season was particularly noteworthy as she was named to the All-ACC second team, solidifying her status as a top player in college soccer.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Mercado’s professional career began when she was selected by Seattle Reign FC as the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. She signed a one-year contract with the team in March 2024 and made her professional debut shortly after. In her first season, she quickly made an impact, scoring her first professional goal during a match in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Mercado’s performance continued to improve, and she recorded her first regular season assist in March 2025, showcasing her ability to contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.
Notable Works and Milestones
Madison Mercado’s signature work includes her standout performances at Notre Dame and her rapid ascent in the NWSL. She has been recognized for her skills on the field and has made significant contributions to her teams, both in college and professionally.
Madison Mercado Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Madison Mercado has received recognition for her achievements, including being named the Western Conference Player of the Year in 2017 during her youth career. Her consistent performance at Notre Dame also earned her multiple selections to the ACC All-Academic Team.
Madison Mercado Awards Won
Madison Mercado has not yet accumulated a significant number of awards at the professional level, but her collegiate accolades, including being named to the All-ACC second team, highlight her talent and potential as a player.
Madison Mercado Family
Madison Mercado comes from a family with a strong athletic background. Her older brother, Michael Mercado, is a professional baseball pitcher who was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2017 MLB Draft and currently plays for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Personal Life
While specific details about Madison Mercado’s personal life are limited, her family’s involvement in sports has played a significant role in shaping her athletic career. Mercado continues to focus on her professional soccer journey with the Seattle Reign and aims to make a lasting impact in the sport.