Lily Yohannes Shines on OL Lyon Debut: Teenage Star Continues Her Meteoric Rise
Lily Yohannes doesn’t waste a second. At just 18 years old, she’s already achieved more than most players dream of in a lifetime. After scoring on her international debut for the USWNT at only 16 and establishing herself as a starter for Ajax, Yohannes is now dazzling on the biggest European stage. In her first match for OL Lyon, she netted a goal, earned Player of the Match honors, and led her side to a 3-1 victory over Olympique Marseille.
From Virginia Roots to European Stardom
Born in Springfield, Virginia, to Eritrean parents, Yohannes moved to Amsterdam at age 10 when her father took a new job. Playing on an amateur boys’ team, she quickly drew the eye of Ajax scouts and entered their youth academy at 13.
“You have to make sacrifices to play at the highest level … I’ve had a different childhood than others, but I’ve found a good balance between dedication to football and enjoying life outside of it,” Yohannes told. “From the moment I joined Ajax, I could feel their style, philosophy, and attention to detail — that really pushed me both tactically and technically.”
Her development was meteoric. At 15, she became the youngest player ever (male or female) to sign a professional contract with Ajax. Just months later, she started a UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage match — the youngest American in history to do so. Soon after, she earned Player of the Match against Roma in the Champions League and capped the year by winning the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award as the top U-20 player in the Vrouwen Eredivisie.
Choosing the US Over the Netherlands
Both the US and Netherlands clamored for her allegiance, but Yohannes chose the Stars and Stripes. On her debut, she honored family legacy — following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Bokretsion Gebrehiwot, who played for Ethiopia. Entering a friendly against South Korea, Yohannes coolly scored minutes later, becoming the third-youngest scorer in USWNT history, just shy of her 17th birthday.
“Wearing the US jersey is such an honor, and to score on my debut was surreal,” Yohannes said. “What I’ll never forget is my teammates rushing to celebrate with me — that moment will stay with me forever.”
The Lyon Chapter Begins
Her rise didn’t stop there. After graduating high school while starring for Ajax, OL Lyon came calling. On July 7, the eight-time Champions League winners signed Yohannes to a three-year contract, securing one of the brightest young midfielders in world football.
“When Lyon showed their interest, I was thrilled,” Yohannes said. “They’ve pushed the women’s game in France and across Europe. Playing with world-class teammates in such an ambitious, winning environment — I just want to add to that legacy.”
And she wasted no time. On her Lyon debut, Yohannes scored and was named Player of the Match, proving she’s ready to thrive at the highest level.
Style, Skill, and Spirit
Yohannes is already being hailed as one of the top young talents in world football. A composed, creative midfielder, she controls games with her vision, precision passing, and knack for finding space. She combines technical flair with a fierce competitive instinct, sharpened from years of playing 2v2 battles with her older brothers.
“I’ve always chased after them, even when they were bigger and stronger,” she said. “That competitiveness — wanting to win, no matter what — is something I’ve carried with me.”
The Future of Lyon and Beyond
With Jonatan Giráldez, former Barcelona Women and Washington Spirit coach, now leading Lyon, Yohannes has the perfect mentor to refine her game.
“Training has been high-intensity,” she explained. “Jonatan is clear about how he wants us to attack and defend, and I’m learning every week. It’s been really positive.”
If her debut is any indication, OL Lyon will lean heavily on Yohannes as they chase their fifth consecutive French league title and aim for more Champions League glory.
For Lily Yohannes, the climb has only just begun — and the football world is watching every step.