Gotham FC’s McKenna “Mac” Witham made his professional debut at just 14 years old on Sunday against the Washington Spirit, just days after signing a professional contract with the team.
Witham made history last week when she signed with Gotham, becoming the youngest player ever to sign an NWSL contract at age 13. The deal was signed one day before her 14th birthday.
Wissam came on in the 80th minute of Sunday’s NWSL vs. Liga MX Summer Cup match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, as Gotham won 1-0.
“I think this is obviously a big moment for us because she’s a young player. Not only is she the youngest player in the history of the league, she’s also the youngest player on the team that we really care about,” Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amoros said after the game. “We obviously saw a special talent. It’s going to take some time for her to really reach her potential. From herself to the team, what they’re doing to help her and what they’re doing to help her adjust to that. Since the preseason, actually, because she’s been with us since we went to Columbia. I think that’s what’s gotten her into this part of her journey with the team.”
“I think the environment from all the people from the outside in is an environment where people are just being themselves, supporting each other, knowing what to do on the pitch and also being great people off the pitch. I think that makes everything easier.”
Her contract runs from Jan. 1, 2025 through 2028, but she also signed a substitute player contract for the national team that will make her eligible to play in Gotham’s Summer Cup matches.
Sunday’s moment was historic for U.S. soccer, with Wissam becoming the youngest player ever to play in a first division match.
This match broke the record set by Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan, who made his MLS debut at the same venue 11 days earlier, becoming the youngest player ever to play in the match.
“I remember her doing this when I was 14 and I wasn’t ready so I’m really grateful,” Gotham keeper Kathy Miller said. “I think it’s also because of the team and the culture that’s been built here. We have a safe environment, a culture that really pushes her every day to do her best and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing her do well.”
Witham is 10 months younger than Sullivan, who made his MLS debut at 14 years and 293 days, breaking Freddy Adu’s record.
“I am incredibly excited to sign with Gotham FC and begin my professional career,” Witham said in a statement after signing the deal. “Gotham FC is the perfect place to continue to further 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.”
Witham was able to sign with Gotham and avoid the NWSL Draft thanks to the NWSL Under-18 Entry Mechanism, which allows players under the age of 18 to be selected.
