Lily Yohannes Commits to USWNT After Choosing Country of Birth Over Netherlands

The 17-year-old Ajax starlet, hailed as a rising talent in women's soccer, recently pledged her international future to the United States, rejecting overtures from the Dutch national team.

Lily Yohannes, a 17-year-old midfielder and Ajax standout, has officially committed to representing the United States Women's National Team (USWNT), despite strong efforts from the Netherlands to secure her allegiance.
Born in Virginia and raised in the Netherlands since age 10, Yohannes' dual eligibility led to a protracted recruitment battle between the two nations, with both offering her opportunities at youth and senior levels.
Yohannes cited the welcoming environment of the USWNT and her personal connection to the country of her birth as key factors in her decision, which she announced in November 2024.
In her debut for the USWNT earlier this year, Yohannes scored within 10 minutes of entering a friendly against South Korea, becoming the third-youngest scorer in the team's history.
Dutch coach Andries Jonker expressed disappointment over Yohannes' decision, while USWNT head coach Emma Hayes praised her potential but emphasized the importance of managing expectations for the young star.

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Forbes