“We don’t need to convince. A player needs to want to play for the national team,” remarked Mauricio Pochettino over refusing to bow down to a player for wearing the USMNT shirt. This is quite the opposite of what’s happening on the women’s side, where players require no such convincing, as Lily Yohannes was the latest to pledge her allegiance to the USWNT. While it’s a joy for the entire nation to see a new talent commit to the future of the States, Lynn Williams is feeling rather green with envy but grinning.

Don’t get her wrong; it’s not like she’s that serious kind of jealous. Well, it’s like a ‘Happy for you, but wishing it were me’ situation. And by being in Yohannes’ shoes, the NJ/NY Gotham FC star means she would have loved to be in a position where she has multiple citizenships and the federations of respective countries are throwing themselves at her and saying, ‘Pick us.’

“First of all yay for the US’,” began Lynn Williams, on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast which she co-hosts alongside USWNT icon Sam Mewis. “I think this is super exciting. I also just think that it is really cool and impressive to be that young and have multiple countries fighting over you, being like, ‘Come here.’ I just think that’s such a cool and unique position to be in and a little jealous but I’m so happy for her.”

Sadly, having just the citizenship of her own country, Williams didn’t get a chance to live the Yohannes dream. Then again, on a serious note, she is more than happy to see another remarkable talent joining the higher ranks of the Stars and Stripes ft. ladies.

Notably, Lily Yohannes announced her much-awaited decision on Monday. The 17-year-old took to social media regarding her call to choose from either representing the USA or the Netherlands. “After much thought, I have decided to represent my country, the United States,” she wrote on Instagram. 

“The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides. These deep connections have compelled me to honor my roots and proudly commit to U.S. Soccer. I am excited to continue working hard and earn my place on the U.S. Women’s National Team,” she wrote in her message, which suggests there’s a lot more fans can expect from her if one hears her remarkable story to success.

Lily Yohannes is going to be the next best thing for the USWNT!

Though a Springfield, Virginia native, the latter relocated to Europe with her whole family at the age of just seven. It was there her soccer journey began, training with Amsterdam’s best, the Ajax Academy. Having signed her professional contract at the age of 15, last season saw her notch 5 goals and 4 assists in over 20 appearances with the senior team. In November 2023, she also became the youngest player in history to start in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while also making a contribution of two assists in six appearances.

Having represented the USA’s U15 and U16s in 2022 Yohannes also trained with the Netherlands’ youth setup in December 2023, before finally receiving her first senior USWNT call-up in March 2024 under Emma Hayes. Though she didn’t play initially, the youngster eventually scored on her debut in a June 2024 friendly against South Korea. It was also that moment when she hadn’t made her final decision, up until now. Indeed, hearing all such wonderful things about Lily Yohannes is a sign that the future of the USWNT is in safe hands.