Gotham FC signs Mak Whitham, 13, youngest in NWSL history - ESPN

By around 8 years old, McKenna «Mak» Whitham knew she wanted to be a professional soccer player. What she probably didn't know is how soon that dream would become a reality.

Whitham, who turns 14 on Saturday, has signed a professional contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning National Women's Soccer League champions, making her the youngest signing in NWSL history.

«I processed it, and it's still new to me,» Whitham said about the achievement, in an exclusive interview with ESPN. «But, I mean, I'm not going to be cocky about it. I'm going to stay humble, and I'm still going to keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player.»

Whitham's guaranteed contract runs through 2028 and will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025.

Whitham's pro debut, however, could come on Sunday, one day after her 14th birthday. Gotham has signed her as a United States national team replacement player for Sunday's game against the Washington Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup.

If she plays on Sunday, she will also become the youngest player to ever feature in a first-division men's or women's soccer match in the United States. She would also be younger than any player who has appeared in the NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA or Major League Baseball since at least 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Earlier this month, 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan broke Freddy Adu's longstanding record as the youngest player to feature for an MLS side when he debuted for the Philadelphia Union. Whitham is about one year and 10 months younger than Sullivan. Second-division side Sacramento Republic signed a 13-year-old last year.

Whitham lives in Southern California but has been training with Gotham on