At 14 years and 312 days of age, Sydney FC debutant Willa Pearson became the youngest-ever player in Ninja A-League history against Melbourne City in Round 1 of the 2025-26 season.
Pearson was picked to start against the reigning Premiers in Sydney’s first game of the new campaign; lining up in the Sky Blues’ defence, Pearson’s first task as a Ninja A-League player was a direct match-up with CommBank Matildas star Holly McNamara in the opening round of the new term.
MATCH REPORT: A Matilda returns and a 14yo makes history as Sky Blues, City share points in four-goal draw
The Sky Blues debutant broke the all-time record by 35 days – a record previously set by Ischia Brooking at Western Sydney Wanderers in 2023 (14 years, 347 days).
Youngest-ever players in the Ninja A-League – top 3
- Willa Pearson (Sydney FC – 2025): 14 years, 312 days
- Ischia Brooking (Western Sydney Wanderers – 2023): 14 years, 346 days
- Talia Younis (Western Sydney Wanderers – 2023): 14 years, 361 days
MATCH REPORT: A Matilda returns and a 14yo makes history as Sky Blues, City share points in four-goal draw
Pearson played all 90 minutes in an entertaining contest that ended 2-2 at Leichhardt Oval.
The 14-year-old won possession six times, made three interceptions, four tackles, nine clearances, six ball recoveries, won five of her eight duels – and kept McNamara off the scoresheet in an impressive debut.
Post-game, Pearson showed maturity beyond her years as she spoke to Network 10 in reaction to becoming the youngest player in Ninja A-League history.
“I’m knackered at the moment! But it’s amazing. Thank you to everybody who believed in me, who gave me this opportunity,” Pearson told Network 10.
“I’m so thankful we got away with three points.
“It’s been hard, for sure. It’s really hard in training and obviously, my first game was really, really hard. But once again, I’m thankful to be able to have this opportunity and get away with three points.Â
“It was a bit nerve-wracking at the start when I saw the teamsheet and was like, ‘I have to play on Holly’. But she gave me a run for my money today and I was really happy to keep her to no goals. She’s an amazing player and I’m very lucky to play against talented players like this.
“I’d love to (play for the Matildas one day), that’s a dream. That’s definitely a dream of mine. But hopefully we can play well this season and one thing at a time.”
Then came time for Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric to assess how his teenage debutant performed against the reigning Ninja A-League Premiers.
When asked whether he felt Pearson was ready to feature in senior football at such a young age, Juric said age is never a factor when it comes to his squad selection.
“I don’t look at age. If she’s good enough to play, she’s in,” Juric told Network 10.
“She trained with us last year as a 13-year-old, so we know a lot about her.
“She’s composed, she’s not a normal 14-year-old teenager, she’s very mature. If she wasn’t the best player on the park, I don’t know who was. She was exceptional in defending and calm on the ball. It was an easy decision, she’s been fantastic.”
MATCH REPORT: A Matilda returns and a 14yo makes history as Sky Blues, City share points in four-goal draw
