Lily Yohannes can “vividly” remember the feeling she had after making her debut with the United States Women’s National Team.
“I came on for, like, maybe 10 minutes and then I scored,” the 19-year-old Adidas athlete tells TODAY.com.
The unforgettable moment came during the USWNT’s match against Korea Republic on June 4, 2024. Two years later, Yohannes continues to score goals as a midfielder for the French Première Ligue club OL Lyonnes.
This summer, she’s “cheering on the boys” of the United States Men’s National Team as they host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
“Watching these games on home soil is super special,” she says, adding it’s exciting to see soccer legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in cities they might never have played before.
Below, in her own words, Yohannes shares her World Cup memories, insight into how she knew she wanted to play soccer and more.
What is your earliest memory of watching a World Cup?
(It would be in 2015). I remember jumping up and down in front of the TV (when) Carli Lloyd (scored) the goal from half field (during the Women’s World Cup final).
What was the moment you knew you were destined to be an athlete?
I don’t think it’s one moment. As a kid you watch these players playing on the stage in a World Cup and you just dream of achieving the same, of being in that position. For me, it’s always been a dream of mine and now to be on the national team and playing professionally, it’s so amazing — and hopefully one day playing at a World Cup.
My family has been there for me, since, forever. Everything that they do for me, sacrificed since I was a little kid, my parents have always put me first to help me chase my dreams and be in the position I am today. They’re my biggest fans, my biggest champions.
What’s one career moment you wish you could relive?
I would say my debut for the national team. That was just such a special moment, and a moment that I will never forget. I can feel it vividly, see the moment happening now to this day. It’s a dream just to play for the national team and to make your debut, it made me feel so honored, grateful and just so excited.
I came on for, like, maybe 10 minutes and then I scored. (I felt) all the emotions, running to celebrate, the team coming to embrace me just made the moment that much more special. It’s just a moment that you work for your whole life and to have that moment to celebrate it with my teammates, with my family who have supported me the whole way, was incredible.
Source: TODAY
