Angel City's Thompson takes next step at U-20 World Cup

As Gisele Thompson continues her soccer career, she could achieve many feats. But for the Angel City rookie, one goal would mean a little more: playing for the United States Women’s National Team.

The defender dreams of becoming a key player for her country and competing with her sister, Alyssa Thompson, on the world stage. 

Alyssa has played for the USWNT in the World Cup and has nine caps with the team. But Gisele hopes the sibling duo can represent their country before their hometown crowd at the LA 2028 Olympics. 

Gisele is taking her next step towards that desire by joining the United States U-20 Youth National Team at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. 

“Being on the women's national team is one of the biggest goals of mine,” Gisele said. “Also, playing with Alyssa and making that 2028 Olympics year would be like a dream of not only me but my whole family.”

Gisele and the team kick off their U-20 World Cup campaign on Sept. 1 against Spain before taking on Morocco and Paraguay. 

The tournament takes place in Colombia, giving young players a taste of what it is like to play important matches overseas. For those who eventually make the senior national team, that experience could be valuable. 

“We had an opportunity to visit Columbia in February, and if you asked any of the group, that was a massive event in our lives,” said U-20 coach Tracey Kevins. “We got to experience South American culture, football culture, and soccer culture.”

Gisele turned professional at 17 years old, joining Alyssa at Angel City. She has played 11 matches, starting eight while showing her potential. According to FotMob, she leads the team in successful tackles per 90 (2.6), is second in interceptions per 90 (1.6) and is second in successful dribbles per 90 (1.5).

Gisele will miss multiple Angel City matches while competing in Colombia, but Angel City coach Becki Tweed recognizes the tournament's benefits. Tweed was an assistant coach for the United States during the 2022 U-20 World Cup.

“Although right now, she is a key player for us, and we will miss her, I think for her career and the benefit of this club and the U.S., players playing in major tournaments is important,” Tweed said. “As we get more pros into this league, we want to continue to advocate for the success of this country. 

Look at the Olympics; that is something that you want to be a part of as a coach and as a club. You want your players to have international success because, ultimately, it benefits everybody.”

Gisele is a versatile outside back who likes to join the attack to create for her teammates. She has shown her talent as a rookie but has not picked up an assist. The next step for her is continuing to develop professional habits at the training grounds. 

“She's always all in on everything,” Tweed said. “You say, G, come in at 5 a.m., and she would do it. It is massive to have her in this environment. She has such a big future for this club and the country. I'm excited to see her do that on the world stage.”

Gisele’s growth in the NWSL could be massive in meeting her international goals. She plays against top talents each week, learning from each experience.

Gisele’s first professional start came against the Washington Spirit, where she faced USWNT forward Trinity Rodman. Although she was nervous against Rodman, she has become more comfortable against top players with each appearance. 

"We've always really recognized Gisele as a player that's got enormous potential,” Kevins said. She was really brave to take this step. It helped having her sister at Angel City to take that step. But we're not surprised that she has adjusted so well to the league.”

Gisele is also becoming more comfortable around top players in other settings. She trained with the senior national team in Feb. and learned what it takes to make that roster.

Thompson was anxious entering that environment, but her teammates were welcoming 

“[Gisele] had the experience earlier this year of being able to come into the women's national team camp environment as a training player, and that showed her, ‘wow, like, how much work I've got to do,’” Kevins said. “She was reflective of like, ‘Okay, I now realize that the things that have been said to me, I need to continue to work on.”

Gisele will continue to develop her training habits while gaining new experiences. The U-20 World Cup will give her international tournament experience, preparing her for future national team endeavors.

Thompson is also growing more confident with each step she takes towards becoming a USWNT player.