Soccer starlet McKenna Whitham, 14, becomes youngest player EVER to make their top-flight debut in US sports as she comes on for Gotham FC

When she stepped onto the pitch for Gotham FC, McKenna 'Mak' Whitham broke a record set earlier this year as the youngest person to make their first-division debut in American sports.

Just a few days ago, Whitham became the youngest player to sign an NWSL contract at 13 years, 364 days old when she inked a deal with Gotham.

Then, a day after her 14th birthday, she came on the pitch in the 80th minute at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania for her new club's NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup game.

Gotham won the match 1-0 and afterwards, Whitham appeared to be caught up in the emotion of the moment.

She broke a record that was only set eleven days ago at the very same stadium when Philadelphia Union 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan made his MLS debut.

Sullivan, who is 10 months older than Whitham, broke a record held by former DC United star Freddy Adu.

'I am really excited to sign and begin my professional career with Gotham FC,' Whitham said in a statement after signing the contract. 

'Gotham FC is a great place for me to continue to push myself as a player. I can't wait to get to work and to continue to grow as a player with the great players, coaches and staff at Gotham FC.'

Whitham was able to bypass the NWSL draft thanks to the NWSL's under-18 entry mechanism, which allowed her to ink a deal with the New Jersey-based club. 

Earlier this year, Whitham signed a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike - becoming the youngest athlete to ever agree to such a contract with the Oregon-based brand.

The record for the youngest professional in American sports was set in 2023 when Da'vian Kimbrough made his debut for Sacramento Republic FC in the second-division USL Championship at the age of 13 years, five months, and 13 days.