A 14-Year-Old Becomes the Youngest Player in A-Leagues History
At just 14 years and 312 days old, Willa Pearson made her debut for Sydney FC in a historic moment, becoming the youngest player ever in Ninja A-League history during Round 1 of the 2025-26 season.
Debut Against Melbourne City
Pearson was selected to start the season opener for the Sky Blues against reigning Premiers Melbourne City. She played in defence and was tasked with marking Holly McNamara, a star player for the CommBank Matildas, right from the start.
Record-Breaking Performance
By breaking the previous record by 35 days, Pearson surpassed Ischia Brooking’s record set in 2023 with Western Sydney Wanderers, who debuted at 14 years and 347 days.
Match Highlights and Statistics
Playing the full 90 minutes at Leichhardt Oval, Pearson contributed significantly to the 2-2 draw:
- Six possessions won
- Three interceptions
- Four tackles
- Nine clearances
- Six ball recoveries
- Won five out of eight duels
- Effectively prevented McNamara from scoring
Post-Match Reaction
“Thank you to everybody who believed in me, who gave me this opportunity,” Pearson expressed in an interview with Network 10.
Pearson’s composure and maturity were evident both on and off the pitch, underlining a promising start to her professional career.
Youngest-Ever Players in Ninja A-League History (Top 3)
- Willa Pearson – 14 years, 312 days
- Ischia Brooking – 14 years, 347 days
Willa Pearson’s debut signals a remarkable milestone in A-League history, showcasing both her talent and maturity at an exceptionally young age.
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