When Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson steps onto the pitch, she brings with her not just raw talent and unshakable confidence but also a legacy of family, culture, sacrifice, and sibling rivalry.
The 20-year-old phenom may be the face of the next generation in U.S. women’s soccer, but her story begins in the heart of Los Angeles, and it’s a story deeply intertwined with her younger sister, Gisele.
Alyssa Thompson Grew Up In A Multi-Cultural Household
Born to Mario and Karen Thompson, Alyssa and Gisele are the products of a multicultural powerhouse of athleticism and determination.
Their father, Mario, of Filipino descent, was a multi-sport athlete in high school and college.
Likewise, their mother Karen, of Italian and Peruvian heritage, played basketball in her youth.
The world’s best teenage female soccer player from Harvard-Westlake, Alyssa Thompson, with parents Mario and Karen. Stanford signee. pic.twitter.com/HEPHANdiUY
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 9, 2022
Together, they formed the foundation of a family that prioritized not just winning, but balance.
With their youngest sister, Zoe, completing the trio, the Thompson household buzzed with energy.
Alyssa said,
“We didn’t even have a TV growing up. We played outside, spent time together, and were involved in every sport imaginable.”
That included soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, flag football, and track, and the competition never stopped.
Alyssa’s Father Put Her And Her Sister In The Boys’ League
While Alyssa and Gisele stood out early, their father, Mario, wasn’t convinced they were being tested.
He admitted,
“I didn’t think they were being challenged.”
So, in a bold and, at the time, unheard-of move, Mario pulled them from their girls’ teams and placed them in the Total Futbol Academy’s boys’ squads.
Alyssa and Gisele became the first girls ever to play in the highly competitive MLS Next U-19 and U-17 boys leagues, and it worked.
By high school, Alyssa had already tallied 48 goals and 17 assists in just 18 games at Harvard Westlake.
Her performances caught the nation’s attention, and in 2023, she was drafted #1 overall by Angel City FC while still in high school.
Gisele, a dynamic outside back, followed closely behind, now emerging as a rising star with dreams of her own USWNT call-up.
The sisters made history again when both signed NIL deals with Nike in high school, a deal typically reserved for college athletes and pros.
Alyssa, meanwhile, debuted for the U.S. senior national team in 2022 and represented the country at the 2023 World Cup, becoming the youngest player on the roster.
Though Gisele hasn’t yet donned the senior team jersey, her path is equally promising.
Gisele says of her sister,
“I always knew she was going to be special. We’ve always pushed each other, we share a bedroom, and we’ve been like twins our whole lives.”
Alyssa Thompson Enjoys Family And Culture
While the spotlight often focuses on their soccer achievements, the Thompson sisters stay grounded in family and culture.
Their Peruvian grandparents, Ramiro and Silvia, live nearby and have played a massive role in their upbringing.
From weekend dinners to Spanish-language conversations, the sisters have grown up surrounded by tradition and flavor.
Gisele, the baker of the family, returns the favor with her chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cakes, especially for her grandpa, who passed on his sweet tooth.
Gisele reflected,
“Family has been everything. Whether it’s helping with school, cheering us on, or just keeping us grounded, we wouldn’t be here without them.”
