Lily Yohannes, at just 18, has quickly risen as a prominent figure in women’s soccer. From her formative years at Ajax to her recent move to OL Lyonnes and a standout debut with the USWNT, Yohannes’s career is marked by continuous achievement. Her journey from Virginia to Amsterdam and her subsequent success in Europe underscores her dedication and talent. With a playing style defined by composure and creativity, Yohannes is set to make a significant impact with Lyon and continue her ascent in the world of soccer.
Lily Yohannes is a name that's rapidly becoming synonymous with excellence in women's soccer. At just 18 years old, her journey has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by significant milestones at every turn. From her early development at Ajax to her recent high-profile move to OL Lyonnes, and a memorable debut with the United States Women's National Team (USWNT), Yohannes is quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Born in Springfield, Virginia, to Eritrean parents, Yohannes's life took a pivotal turn when her family relocated to Amsterdam due to her father's job. It was there, at the tender age of 10, that her European soccer adventure began. Playing initially on an amateur boys’ team, her exceptional talent soon caught the eye of Ajax, who promptly signed her to their esteemed youth academy at the age of 13. This marked the beginning of her formal training in a system renowned for producing world-class players.
"You have to make sacrifices to play at the highest level," Yohannes reflected in an exclusive interview with the Guardian US. "I’ve had a different childhood than others, but I think I’ve found a good balance between having that dedication to my football, as well as enjoying my life outside of football.”
Her time at Ajax proved transformative. “From the moment I joined Ajax, I could feel the level of detail, how they try to implement the style of play of Ajax and the philosophy, and I think that’s something that’s pushed my game both tactically and technically. I’m just really grateful to Ajax for my development over the years.”
Yohannes's ascent through the ranks at Ajax was nothing short of spectacular. At 15, she etched her name in the record books as the youngest player, male or female, to sign a professional contract with the club. Just seven months later, she achieved another remarkable feat, becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage match. Furthermore, she is the youngest American to ever play in the competition, adding another feather to her cap.
Her stellar performances did not go unnoticed. In a Champions League match against Roma, she was named player of the match following a dominant 2-0 victory. On the domestic front, she continued to shine, ultimately receiving the Johan Cruyff talent of the year award for the 2023–24 season, a prestigious honor bestowed upon the best U-20 player in the Vrouwen Eredivisie. During that season, she tallied five goals and four assists in 20 appearances, playing a crucial role in Ajax's second-place finish and their triumph over Fortuna Sittard in the KNVB Women’s Cup final.
Her international career began with a bang. After much deliberation, Yohannes chose to represent the United States, following in the footsteps of her maternal grandfather, Bokretsion Gebrehiwot, who played for Ethiopia. Her debut was nothing short of sensational, scoring minutes after entering the field in a friendly against South Korea, sealing a 3-0 victory. At just 16 years old, Yohannes became the third-youngest goalscorer in USWNT history.
“Wearing the US jersey is always such an honor, and to score on my debut was such a surreal moment,” Yohannes said. “What I remember most is that after I scored, all my teammates ran towards me to celebrate. To share that with them, my family, and my friends, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Following her graduation from high school, Yohannes's exceptional talent continued to garner attention from top clubs across Europe. Ultimately, she signed a three-year deal with OL Lyonnes on 7 July, marking a significant step in her already impressive career.
“When Lyon showed their interest, I was really excited. What they’ve done over the years, what they’ve won, they’ve pushed the women’s game further in France and on the European stage by showing their dominance,” Yohannes explained. “Obviously, you have to adapt to the change in environment, but my teammates and staff are helping me settle in, and I’m enjoying playing with so many world-class players who I can learn from. Lyon is a very ambitious club and is known for winning, so I want to be a part of that and win as many titles as I can.”
Yohannes's playing style is characterized by composure, creativity, and exceptional technical ability. She excels in congested areas, possesses remarkable vision and passing accuracy, and has a knack for finding space and unleashing powerful shots. Her work ethic and measured risk-taking set an example for her teammates. This competitive spirit has been ingrained in her since childhood, honed through countless 2v2 games against her elder brothers.
OL Lyonnes, a dominant force in French women’s soccer, has won a record eight Women’s Champions League titles and finished atop the Première Ligue in 18 of the last 19 seasons. Under the guidance of new manager Jonatan Giráldez, formerly of Barcelona Women and the Washington Spirit, the team is striving for a fifth consecutive championship.
“Jonatan is really making his style of play clear, how he wants us to attack and defend… the training sessions have been high-intensity, and every week, it’s been really positive what we’re building,” Yohannes said.
Her debut for Lyon was a clear sign that she will continue to impress. She scored a goal and earned player of the match honors in a 3-1 victory over Olympique Marseille, suggesting that Yohannes is poised to make a significant impact in France and on the European stage.