After split with sister, Gisele Thompson seeks own identity with Angel City and U.S. teams

"Sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson have played soccer together their entire lives, teammates throughout their amateur and professional careers. Alyssa turned pro in 2023 at age 18 when she signed with Angel City FC, and Gisele followed. Now, Alyssa is continuing her career in Europe with Chelsea FC, having transferred in September on a $1.3-million deal, while Gisele is preparing for her third season with Angel City."

"At just 20 years old, Gisele will face her first full season without her sister, on a professional - and personal - path that has been far from conventional. Instead of taking a break in January, as many young women her age do before entering college, Gisele was at training camp with the U.S. senior team and played in a 6-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday in a friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park."

""They've played together their whole lives and have always been each other's emotional support," their mother, Karen Thompson, said. As the older sister, Alyssa was important in supporting Gisele during her first NWSL season in 2024. Thanks to that support, Gisele developed into one of the best offensive-minded defenders in the league. "Gisele was also able to see firsthand how Alyssa responded in a professional environment, without having to be in that environment herself," Karen said."

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson developed as teammates throughout youth, amateur and professional soccer. Alyssa turned professional in 2023 at age 18 with Angel City FC, then transferred to Chelsea FC in September for $1.3 million. Gisele signed a four-year extension with Angel City and enters her third NWSL season while preparing for national team duties after appearing in a 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay. Gisele is a speedy, offensive-minded wing defender whose development benefited from Alyssa's example and emotional support. The sisters now pursue independent professional paths, facing public scrutiny, team expectations and competition at the international level.

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