If you’ve watched a single USWNT or Portland Thorns match lately, you’ve probably seen a blur of number 11 jersey leaving defenders in the dust. That’s Sophia Smith. She plays with the kind of seasoned composure that makes you think she’s been at this for a decade, but then she flashes that youthful grin after a goal, and you have to wonder. Seriously, how old is Sophia Smith?
The short answer is that as of early 2026, Sophia Smith is 25 years old.
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She was born on August 10, 2000. It’s a date that carries more weight than just a birthday cake and candles. When she stepped onto the pitch for her senior national team debut in 2020, she became the first player born in the 2000s to ever cap for the USWNT. Basically, she’s the literal face of the "new generation" we keep hearing about.
The Windsor Kid: A Rapid Rise
Sophia grew up in Windsor, Colorado, and honestly, her trajectory was never normal. Most kids are figuring out middle school drama at 14; Smith was busy telling her dad she was going to be "something special" at soccer. She wasn't wrong.
By the time she was 16, she was already getting called into senior national team camps. Think about that for a second. While most of us were stressing over a chemistry quiz, she was sharing a locker room with legends like Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn. She didn't actually get her first cap until she was 20, but the groundwork was laid much earlier.
Her college years at Stanford were brief but chaotic in the best way possible. She spent only two seasons there. In that blink of an eye, she racked up 24 goals and led the Cardinal to a 2019 NCAA Championship. She won the title, looked around, and decided she’d seen enough. She declared for the NWSL Draft as a teenager.
Breaking Records Before 25
When the Portland Thorns took her as the #1 overall pick in 2020, she was just 19. She was the first teenager ever selected at the top of the NWSL draft.
Then 2022 happened.
If you want to talk about a "peak" year, Smith’s 22nd year on Earth was basically a fever dream. She didn't just play; she dominated. She became the youngest player in NWSL history to win the MVP award at age 22. She also took home the NWSL Championship MVP and was named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Most people are just finishing their first entry-level job at 22. She was the best player in the country.
A Quick Look at the Milestones
- Age 16: First senior USWNT call-up (2017).
- Age 19: National Champion at Stanford and #1 NWSL Draft Pick (2020).
- Age 20: First USWNT cap against the Netherlands.
- Age 22: Youngest NWSL MVP in history (2022).
- Age 23: Golden Boot winner and World Cup debut (2023).
- Age 24: Olympic Gold Medalist in Paris (2024).
The "Triple Espresso" Era
By the time the 2024 Paris Olympics rolled around, Sophia was 23 turning 24. This was the summer of "Triple Espresso"—the nickname she, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson gave their attacking trio. They weren't just a marketing gimmick. They were terrifying.
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Smith scored three goals in that tournament, including the massive extra-time winner against Germany in the semifinals. Watching her play now, at 25, you can see how her game has evolved. She isn't just a raw speedster anymore. She’s learned how to "protect her peace," a phrase she often uses regarding her mental health. She’s become a leader in the locker room, especially in Portland where she’s seen legends like Christine Sinclair move on.
Why Her Age Actually Matters
In the world of women's soccer, 25 is often considered the start of an athlete's physical prime. For Sophia Smith, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the world. She already has an MVP, a Golden Boot, an NWSL title, and an Olympic Gold medal.
Most players are still "finding themselves" at this age. Smith is already a veteran of a World Cup and an Olympics. She’s currently under contract with the Portland Thorns through the end of 2026, which means we’re about to see her best years right here in the States.
What’s Next for Soph?
If you’re tracking her career, the next big target is obviously the 2027 Women's World Cup. She’ll be 26 then—right in the sweet spot of experience and athleticism.
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Off the field, she’s staying busy too. She’s engaged to NFL player Michael Wilson (they met at Stanford, naturally, in the training room ice baths). She’s also a huge advocate for mental health, particularly after the tragic loss of her college teammate Katie Meyer.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch her live: If you haven't seen a Thorns game at Providence Park, do it. The atmosphere when she gets on the ball is electric.
- Follow the Stats: Keep an eye on her "Expected Goals" (xG) metrics. She consistently outperforms them because her finishing from tight angles is world-class.
- Support the League: The NWSL is growing because of stars like Smith. Buying a jersey or a ticket directly fuels the ecosystem that allows players to turn pro at 19.
Sophia Smith isn't just a "young player" anymore. At 25, she is the standard. Whether she’s bagging braces in Portland or leading the line for the USWNT, the age of Sophia Smith is well and truly here.