10 things to know about the 18-year-old American World Cup star who skipped college and her senior prom to go pro

Meredith CashJul 22, 2023, 05:52 IST

Alyssa Thompson dribbles the ball for the US Women's National Team.Lachlan Cunningham/USSF/Getty Images for USSF

Alyssa Thompson is the youngest player suiting up for the US Women's National Team at the World Cup.
The 18-year-old forward is the first teenager since 1995 to make an American World Cup roster.

The future of the US Women's National Team is already here.

Alyssa Thompson is the youngest player on the roster of the reigning champions and the first teenager in nearly 30 years to compete on behalf of the US at a World Cup. No pressure.

But the 18-year-old forward from Los Angeles knows how to grapple with high expectations. She's been in the limelight, first as a highly touted college prospect, then as Nike's first sponsored high school athlete, and after that as the youngest-ever National Women's Soccer League draftee.

Now, Thompson is ready to tackle the moment on international soccer's biggest stage. She spoke to Insider about her rapid rise to stardom and how she's preparing for her World Cup debut.

Here's what you need to know about the USWNT wunderkind looking to make her mark Down Under.

Thompson skipped college to go pro.

Alyssa Thompson celebrates scoring a goal for Angel City FC.Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

She became the first high school athlete to sign a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike.

Alyssa Thompson poses with a Nike ball.Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

She was the first pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft.

Alyssa Thompson poses with Angel City FC co-founder Julie Uhrman after she was selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft.Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Going pro hasn't changed her fitness and nutrition routines very much.

Alyssa Thompson dribbles past a defender for Angel City.Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson missed her high school graduation and senior prom for Angel City games.

Alyssa Thompson dribbles for Angel City.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Her decision to go pro paid off' when she made the US Women's National Team's 2023 World Cup roster.

Alyssa Thompson at the USWNT's 2023 Women's World Cup media day.AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Thompson is playing alongside some of her childhood idols.

Alyssa Thompson (right) high fives USWNT teammate Alex Morgan.Lachlan Cunningham/USSF/Getty Images for USSF

She's already starring in commercials for major brands.

Alyssa Thompson stars in a new commercial for Volkswagen.Courtesy of Volkswagen

Thompson's sister and 'best friend,' Gisele, is bound for soccer superstardom, too.

Gisele Thompson with the youth US Women's National Team at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.Stephen Pond - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Even as she embarks on the World Cup, Thompson can't believe she's realizing her dream.

Alyssa Thompson with the USWNT.AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

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