Lily Yohannes, 17, picks USWNT over Netherlands
Ajax starlet Lily Yohannes has officially opted to represent the United States women’s national team, the 17-year-old announced in a social media post on Monday.
Yohannes was eligible for both the USWNT and Netherlands as she has lived in the European nation since she was 10 years old, but has now chosen to play for Emma Hayes team.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the United States and Dutch Football Federations for their unwavering support and patient guidance as I made my decision regarding my international future,” Yohannes said in the post.
“Their dedication and encouragement have been invaluable, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to both Federations.
“After much consideration, I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States. The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides.
“These strong connections have driven me to honor my roots and proudly commit to U.S. soccer. I am excited and eager to continue putting in the work and earn my place on the U.S. Women’s National Team.”
Hayes was asked about the potential to select the midfielder after announcing her most recent roster in October.
“We have to be mindful she’s a really young player, and has been playing her domestic club football in the Netherlands. So, understandably, she wants to take the time at her age and her stage before she makes a decision,” Hayes said at the time.
“But there has been communication post-Olympics between Lily and us at the federation. I’m always optimistic but I don’t like to pressure anybody in this situation … No matter what time it takes, it needs to be right for Lily. And when that time’s right, I’m sure I’ll update if I have anything to say on that.”
Yohannes already made her debut for the in June 2024, scoring in the SheBelieves Cup game against South Korea within 10 minutes to become the third youngest goal scorer in USWNT history.
As the games in that tournament are deemed by FIFA to be friendlies, Yohannes would still have been able to represent the Dutch for the rest of her career.
Born in Springfield, Virginia, Yohannes joined the Ajax youth teams and progressed through the ranks in Amsterdam before making her first-team debut in 2023. She has played 40 times for the Dutch club, scoring seven times.
In 2023, she became the youngest-ever player to start a UEFA Women’s Champions League game as Ajax beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0.
Information from ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf contributed to this report.
