Gisele Thompson is a standout on a field (and family) of exceptional players

A bubble braided blur streaking down the field, tracking down the front line, and troubling the back line, Gisele Thompson navigated the field last Saturday with youthful vigor, yet veteran-level smarts, and a newfound durability she's been vocal about pursuing.

Everyone wants to be a part of USWNT head coach Emma Hayes' 2027 World Cup plans. Emma Hayes has been experimenting with different teams and using recent friendly matches to her advantage. With a key priority placed on youth, Hayes is closing the door to no one at this stage.

Gisele Thompson's performance, though, said you might as well write my name on the roster now.

Saturday's match against Japan was teeming with exciting statistics... Rose Lavelle's clinical play led to a goal and an assist in her 100th start for the USWNT, Lindsey Heaps scored her 40th career goal, Sophia Wilson played her first USWNT game since October 2024 having given birth to her daughter Gigi in September 2025...yet my focus was on the youngest Thompson sister who in this instance even outshone her phenom of an older sister Alyssa Thompson.

Gisele Thompson's speed and stamina mean she's everywhere, and everything she does is dynamic. Darting runs into the box, game-saving recovery runs on defense...her presence was felt immensely across the entire stretch of the field against Japan, a worthy opponent who's historically given the USWNT trouble.

Gisele Thompson begins paving her own way

With Alyssa Thompson recently signing a contract with Chelsea while Gisele remains in LA, the sisterly chats about life may be limited to the occasional FaceTime call at an odd hour, but with their physical distance has come the gift of an opportunity for independence and self-discovery for Gisele. Coming into her own is a vital step in her USWNT ascension, and it has come at a particularly opportune time.

Alyssa has guided Gisele this far in her USWNT journey (a uniquely beneficial situation), and in some ways, Gisele will continue to be an extension of her sister on the field, but the chemistry of a formidable sister connection combined with the blossoming of their unique individual talents is a dream for the USWNT and a nightmare for opponents.

Gisele Thompson is only 20 years old with plenty of room for growth. That's scary because, despite having such a long and promising career still ahead, as Thompson's generation might say, the girl most definitely already knows ball.