Overview

• 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.