History is knocking on U.S. soccer’s door.
On Friday, NJ/NY Gotham FC signed 13-year-old McKenna “Mac” Witham, a Saturday signing just one day before her birthday, making her the youngest signing in NWSL history.
#GothamFC have officially signed forward Mak Whitham from 1 January 2025 until 2028. Mak has also signed a substitute player contract for the national team, making him available for upcoming Summer Cup matches.
Mac Witham is officially the youngest player ever. translation: history.
— New Jersey/New York Gotham FC (@GothamFC) July 26, 2024
McKenna Witham becomes youngest player ever to be signed by NWSL @makwhitham/Instagram
“I understand that, but it’s still new for me,” Witham told ESPN.
“But I’m not going to get cocky about it. I’m going to stay humble and keep growing. My goal is to become a top player in the NWSL, and I know Gotham will help me become that player.”
Wonderkid’s endorsement contract runs from January 1, 2025 through 2028.
She was acquired through the NWSL’s under-18 entry mechanism, allowing her to be selected at under-18 level, avoiding the league’s draft.
Additionally, the organization signed her to a U.S. national team replacement contract for upcoming matches.
As such, the youngster’s professional debut could come during the international period on Sunday, the day after his birthday, in a match against Washington Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.
“I am really excited to sign with Gotham FC and begin my professional career,” said Witham.
McKenna Witham could make her Gotham FC debut as early as Sunday. @makwhitham/Instagram
“Gotham FC is a great place for me to continue to push myself as a player. I can’t wait to work alongside the great players, coaches and staff at Gotham FC and continue to develop as a player.”
If he takes to the pitch, Whisam will become the youngest player to compete at the top level of men’s or women’s soccer in the United States.
Additionally, she will be the youngest player to play in an NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA or MLB game since at least 1970, according to ESPN’s Elias Sports Bureau.
Witham will have the chance to break the record recently set by Cavan Sullivan as the youngest player to appear in an MLS match.
Sullivan was 14 years and 293 days old when he broke Freddy Adu’s record earlier this month – with Wissam being a whopping 10 months younger than Sullivan.
The San Francisco native has trained with the club intermittently throughout 2024 and has attended the team’s preseason training as a non-roster invitee.
Before Gossam’s regular season began, Wissam scored the winning goal against Deportivo Cali to lead the team to the Colombian Women’s Cup final.
“Mac demonstrates her talent every day in training and we are excited to support her in her journey as a professional athlete,” said Yael Averbuch West, Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations.
McKenna Witham has been training with Gotham FC throughout 2024. @makwhitham/Instagram
“We are committed to fostering an environment where Mac can grow not only as a player but also as a person.”
Additionally, the phenom became the youngest athlete to sign a name, likeness and image (NIL) endorsement deal with Nike in February, ESPN reported.
“I knew I was a really good player but I also knew I had a lot to improve on and I knew I could achieve that,” Witham told ESPN.
“And I think that comes from hard work and confidence.”
