Two rising stars in women’s soccer, Alyssa Thompson and Gisele Thompson, are sisters from the U.S. who have been making waves with their talent, speed, and skill. With the former being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and making her mark with Angel City FC, Gisele is the quickly rising star who is also a promising defender. After all, the Thompson sisters have taken over U.S. soccer like a storm.

Alyssa is fearless while attacking and blistering her pace. She has earned her a spot at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Gisele’s journey as a defender took her from the backyard games to sharing the field with her sister. Now, both representing USWNT at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup is nothing short of incredible but proof that the Thompson legacy is only getting started. They have become household names in the sport.

Alyssa Thompson and Gisele Thompson have unique family ties!

Born to Karen and Mario Thompson, both the sisters grew up in a culturally rich household that has Peruvian, Italian, and Filipino roots. Sounds interesting, right? After all, with so much cultural exposure comes a lot of values and norms. And the sisters’ achievements show that the family has successfully instilled strong values in their daughters. And the most important part to note is that their Peruvian grandparents, Ramiro and Silvia, have played a major role in raising both Alyssa and Gisele.

Their grandparents moved to the U.S. over 30 years ago and have been a constant presence in their lives. “Our grandparents live so close to us, that we see them often,” Alyssa said. “We would have dinners at their house and hang out over the weekends. And since they have a TV, we would watch soccer games there, or big events like the Super Bowl.” However, TV wasn’t a thing in the Thompson household, which meant the kids spent their days running, playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even flag football. They shared a bedroom and, as Gisele puts it, “grew up like twins,” balancing their time between dolls, soccer balls, and competitive family game nights.

Spanish was part of their upbringing, though fluency always remained a work in progress. “We’re definitely not fluent, but I feel like I can understand more than I can speak it,” Alyssa admitted. Regardless of language, the family has always been at the heart of their upbringing. Especially their grandmothers, with whom they spent a lot of time! Silvia always made sure that they were well fed with homemade meals. And, in a conversation with the US Soccer, Gisele shared some of their grandmother’s favorite recipes.

“When we were little, our grandma would watch us and she would make us this breaded steak that was soooo good,” Gisele said. “Me and my mom have tried to make it, but it’s just not the same as grandma’s. She doesn’t even measure the ingredients; she just makes it special.”Alyssa, on the other hand, loved a dish made with hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, and a rich yellow sauce, something their grandma always prepared for them whenever they visited. No matter how much time passed, these flavors remained a special part of their childhood.

Now the sisters live together in an apartment in Los Angeles. They also have their own TV, a luxury that wasn’t earlier preferred, but often reflect back to the times when their family strictly wanted them to focus on academics. Even while training between games, they take college classes alongside. And beyond that, they both love to indulge themselves in other leisure activities. While Alyssa enjoys painting and photography, Gisele loves to bake choco chip cookies and cakes!

Their parents are their pillars of success

“It was great for my kids to see all the different sides of their background,” said Karen Thompson. “They all feel like they represent all of it.” For Karen, it’s more than just a matter of heritage—it’s about identity, belonging, and pride. She has watched her children navigate the unique experience of being multicultural in a sport that, for a long time, didn’t have many players who looked like them. Seeing them embrace every part of their roots—American, Peruvian, and Filipino—reassures her that they are not just fitting in but thriving.

Her words reflect a deep truth within many immigrant and multicultural families—the understanding that nothing comes easy, and that resilience is often the key to success. “In our community, we work really hard for our families. And that is where her humility comes out. She doesn’t do it for fame; she does it for her family,” Karen added. It’s a reminder that, at the core of Alyssa’s drive, there’s something bigger than personal achievement—it’s about uplifting those who came before her and those who will continue to be inspired by them.

The Thompson sisters aren’t just playing for wins; they’re playing for something bigger. Every time they step onto the field, they carry their heritage with them. While they are honored to wear the U.S. jersey, they also know that their Peruvian and Filipino roots are not something to set aside—but rather, a strength that they bring with them.

With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, they have a shared goal: representing the United States on home soil. But in doing so, they also carry the hopes of the communities and people that shaped them, proving that their success is not just their own but a testament to the rich and diverse identities they represent.