Nearly two weeks after 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan made his MLS debut, another 14-year-old made history, this time in the NWSL.
NJ/NY Gotham FC signing Mak Whitham entered the field in the 80th minute on Sunday during the club’s Summer Cup clash with the Washington Spirit.
Whitham recently became the youngest signing in NWSL history after agreeing to a contract until 2028. Although her contract doesn’t officially begin until January 1, the teenager was given an early debut.
The memorable moment came the day after her 14th birthday, when she broke Sullivan’s record earlier this month.
Signing his first professional contract, having just turned 14, and becoming @NWSL premieres in the same week?!
We are so happy to have you, Mak Whitham!! pic.twitter.com/wMtujDO3zj
– NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) July 28, 2024
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Whitham is now the youngest player to play in a Division I men’s or women’s soccer game in the United States.
Additionally, she is the youngest to appear in the NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA or Major League Baseball since at least 1970.
Featured image credit: © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports