When McKenna ‘Mak’ Whitham took to the field for Gotham FC, she made history by becoming the youngest individual to debut in first-division American sports.
Recently, she made headlines as the youngest player ever to sign an NWSL contract at just 13 years and 364 days old.
Shortly after celebrating her 14th birthday, she entered the game in the 80th minute at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania during her club’s NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup matchup.
Gotham secured a 1-0 victory, and Whitham appeared visibly emotional post-match.
This record was previously established only eleven days earlier by 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who debuted for the Philadelphia Union at the same stadium.
14-year-old McKenna ‘Mak’ Whitham made her first appearance with NWSL side Gotham FC
She became the youngest person to ever make her top-flight debut in American sports history
After the match, it looked like Whitham was caught up in the emotions of the moment
Sullivan, being ten months Whitham’s senior, previously set a record originally belonging to former DC United player Freddy Adu.
‘I am incredibly thrilled to sign and kick off my professional journey with Gotham FC,’ Whitham expressed in a statement after her contract was finalized.
‘Gotham FC provides the perfect environment for my growth as a player. I eagerly look forward to honing my skills alongside a talented group of players, coaches, and staff at Gotham FC.’
Whitham’s contract was made possible by the NWSL’s under-18 entry mechanism, allowing her to join the New Jersey-based club without going through the NWSL draft.
Earlier this year, she also signed a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike, making her the youngest athlete to enter into an agreement with the Oregon-based brand.
The record for the youngest professional athlete in American sports was set in 2023 when Da’vian Kimbrough debuted for Sacramento Republic FC in the USL Championship at the age of 13 years, five months, and 13 days.
