-
Jeff Kassouf
While the NWSL has not fully embraced the trend of signing teenage players, the rarity of such signings has decreased significantly, and age alone is no longer a surprising factor in recruitment.
Despite the absence of a centralized academy system, recent changes like the abolition of the college draft and the introduction of combines, including a youth combine to scout athletes as young as 13, have opened doors for younger talents. Teams are now more proactive in identifying promising young players who can contribute to the league, with several already making substantial impacts. This year, we have ranked all players aged 19 and under in the league, including those involved in loans, to showcase the next wave of talent in one of the world’s premier leagues.
The standout talents have already earned spots on their respective senior national teams, while others are excelling at the youth international level or gradually evolving into their professional identities.
Some emerging stars who were part of last year’s U19 rankings, such as USWNT players Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Olivia Moultrie, along with Japan international Manaka Matsukubo, have since turned 20. (Thompson made headlines recently with a major transfer to Chelsea in September.)
Nevertheless, there are four more teenagers in the NWSL compared to last year’s rankings. Who currently stands out as the best? And which players have shown significant potential? Let’s take a closer look.
– Can new ownership bring the Portland Thorns back to prominence after recent scandals?
– Alex Morgan discusses her next chapter after retirement from USWNT and NWSL
– NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman receives contract extension
Age: 18
Position: Defender
Club: Houston Dash (currently loaned to Dux Logroño)
Country: USA
Matthews is on loan to a Spanish team until June 30, 2026, which the Dash hope will help her gain valuable experience to step into a more significant role with Houston next summer. She has been a regular fixture with the U.S. youth national teams and has even trained with Jamaica‘s senior team.
Age: 18
Position: Defender
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA
Scott is still navigating her path in the league, having appeared in only two matches so far. Achieving playing time on the best and most competitive team in the league is a challenge but serves as solid long-term development.
Recently, Scott was recalled from a loan to Racing Louisville without having made an appearance. She has represented the U.S. at various youth national team levels.
Age: 15
Position: Forward
Club: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Country: USA
As the youngest player in the league, Whitham has participated in six league matches and several games in the Concacaf Champions Cup. These experiences, especially in the Concacaf tournament, are invaluable for her growth.
Age: 16
Position: Forward
Club: Utah Royals
Country: USA
Ream signed with the Utah Royals when she was just 15 and made history in August by becoming the youngest goal-scorer in NWSL history with a game-winning shot against the Portland Thorns in Providence Park. She is also set to compete with the U.S. team in the upcoming U17 World Cup.
Age: 17
Position: Forward
Club: Chicago Stars FC
Country: USA
Although the Stars have faced multiple challenges this season, Johnson presents a glimmer of hope for their future. She netted her first professional goal this month before departing for the U17 World Cup. Chicago secured her with a long-term contract, indicating their commitment to rebuilding.
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA
For young players, gaining consistent playing time is crucial, and McCammon has made steady progress in Seattle. Although her stats may not jump out—she has no goal contributions—14 appearances, including five starts, for a team in playoff contention indicates the confidence that Reign head coach Laura Harvey has in her abilities.
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Club: Houston Dash (pre-contract with Boston Legacy for 2026)
Country: USA
Ricketts is set to have a fresh start next year with the NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy FC, who have signed her to a two-year contract with mutual options until 2029. Her playing style on the wing is sure to catch the attention of fans.
In Portland, she faced the usual challenges of a teenager—managing to secure playing time in her third professional season with one of the most talented teams. The startup nature of Boston should provide her with more gaming time and opportunities for meaningful development, as glimpses of her potential have been showcased.
Age: 17
Position: Forward
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA
Pfeiffer made an impressive entrance into the league last year, scoring in her debut at just 16. She plays with the assurance of a player unburdened by limits.
Due to a knee injury that prematurely ended her 2024 season, she might not rank higher on this list as it has impacted her participation in 2025.
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA
Long, the daughter of Current co-owners Angie and Chris, has gradually accumulated first-team minutes in her rookie season after leaving Duke University as a freshman. She has represented the U.S. youth teams and contributed to the U17 squad finishing third at the 2024 World Cup. Securing one assist in nine appearances for Kansas City is commendable, especially given the team’s depth of attacking talent.
Age: 17
Position: Winger
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA
Barcenas might be the most well-known player on this list, as her clips showcasing dazzling moves, including a recent stepover, have gained traction on social media.
Her ongoing challenge has been turning these highlight plays into concrete scoring chances for her team. However, her performance in 2025 as a reliable substitute indicates progress, even within limited minutes.
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Club: Angel City FC (currently on loan to Djurgården)
Country: South Korea
Phair has made gradual progress, signing a long-term extension this summer before being loaned to Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. She has experienced more playing time there than she did with Angel City in the first half of the season, although she still seeks first-team appearances.
It’s notable that at just 16, Phair had already made a professional debut and represented South Korea at a senior World Cup. Her aptitude as a forward foreshadows future success in the NWSL.
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Club: Portland Thorns FC
Country: Colombia
Portland made a significant investment to secure Loboa, offering her a contract through 2028 with a club option for 2029 after she achieved her first international goal and participated in all six matches at Copa America this summer for Colombia, including a full 90 minutes against Brazil and the finals against them.
Having made her professional debut in her homeland at 14, Loboa’s experience at a higher level during Copa America highlights her potential, even if her time in the NWSL hasn’t been fully realized just yet.
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Club: Portland Thorns FC (currently on loan from Arsenal)
Country: England
Harbert’s entire career with Arsenal’s senior team has been spent on loan, but there are high hopes for her from club insiders who believe she will make it onto England’s senior squad in the future.
Her loan to Portland, even if brief, has provided her with some of the highest-level experience outside of Arsenal. Even if it turns out to be a stepping stone, her ceiling remains exceptionally high.
Age: 18
Position: Defender
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA
Armstrong excels in dueling and is maturing as a center-back. While San Diego has struggled defensively this season, she has largely been tasked with filling the prominent role left by Naomi Girma, who transferred to Chelsea in the offseason.
Stepping into the center-back position as a 17-year-old has posed challenges, yet Armstrong has demonstrated she is capable of handling the responsibility.
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA
Adames leads all teenagers this year with six goals, managing this feat in just 989 minutes, with many appearances from the bench. Equipped with the ability to change the course of a match, she demonstrated her potential with a crucial late-game goal against San Diego in June.
Age: 17
Position: Forward
Club: San Diego Wave FC
Country: USA
Ascanio has drawn comparisons to a young Tobin Heath, her childhood idol. Her production has improved from the previous year, boasting four goals and an assist for a Wave squad that has often been challenged offensively.
Ascanio’s gameplay is characterized by a unique, smooth, and confident style that sets her apart, making her a distinct figure in the USWNT pool.
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: North Carolina Courage
Country: USA
Did you catch that assist on Manaka Matsukubo’s recent goal for the North Carolina Courage? That was Riley Jackson’s magic at work. Although that was her sole assist this season, she leads the list in expected assists (3.77), illuminating her potential. The team’s struggles don’t reflect her promise as a player.
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Club: Angel City FC
Country: USA
Fuller has emerged as a bright spot in a tumultuous season for Angel City, contributing four goals and three assists. Her dynamic playmaking ability and sharp decision-making have made her a valuable asset, hinting at her potential to become a long-term No. 10 for both club and country.
Age: 19
Position: Defender
Club: Seattle Reign FC
Country: USA
Bugg has drawn multiple comparisons to USWNT defender Naomi Girma, who was celebrated in ESPN’s top-50 women soccer players ranked last year at No. 2. She’s the backbone of Seattle Reign FC’s defense and recently earned her inaugural cap with the senior USWNT. Bugg showcases an ideal blend of vision and technical skill that characterizes elite center-backs and is known for creating highlights on the field.
Age: 19
Position: Defender
Club: Angel City FC
Country: USA
While Gisele Thompson’s older sister Alyssa has gained more international fame—especially after her significant transfer to Chelsea—Gisele is proving to be an impressive talent in her own right, capturing attention in the NWSL and U.S. Soccer.
She has made contributions at fullback with Angel City, recording five assists—currently tied for the NWSL lead. Her most fitting role in the long run may be positioned further up the field.
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: Kansas City Current
Country: USA
Though Hutton’s teenage years are dwindling, her professional and international football journey is just embarking. She serves as the starting defensive midfielder and a vital player for what could be the most exceptional NWSL team in history. Hutton impresses with her two-way play, combining solid defense with progressive passing abilities that will surely draw attention at the 2027 World Cup and potentially beyond in her future with the USWNT.