Finding a sophia smith jersey youth size right now is a bit of a mission. If you've been looking online lately, you probably noticed something confusing. Half the sites list her as Smith, and the other half call her Sophia Wilson.
She got married to NFL player Michael Wilson, so if you're searching for that #11 jersey and only seeing "Wilson" on the back, don't worry. You aren't looking at a knockoff. It’s the same Golden Boot winner, just with a new name on her kit.
Honestly, for a kid who wants to play like the best forward in the NWSL, getting the right fit matters more than the name change anyway.
The USWNT vs. Portland Thorns dilemma
You basically have two main paths here. Do you go with the classic red, white, and blue of the USWNT, or the vibe of the Portland Thorns?
The USWNT youth jerseys are usually easier to find at big retailers like Nike or Fanatics. They typically feature the four stars above the crest, which kids love because it represents those World Cup titles. Smith (or Wilson) wears #11 for the national team.
The Portland Thorns jerseys are a bit more "if you know, you know." They’re incredibly popular in the Pacific Northwest, but they sell out fast. If you’re looking for a youth small or medium in the Thorns home kit, you might have better luck checking the official PTFC Authentics shop directly rather than a general sports store.
Why youth sizing is so tricky for soccer kits
Soccer jerseys are notoriously slim. If your kid is between sizes, always, and I mean always, size up.
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A "Youth Large" in a Nike Stadium replica jersey feels a lot tighter than a Youth Large cotton t-shirt. These are 100% polyester. They don't stretch much. Plus, kids usually want to wear these over a long-sleeve shirt during chilly spring practices.
Here is the "real world" breakdown of how these usually fit:
- Youth XS: Best for ages 5-6.
- Youth Small: Ages 7-8.
- Youth Medium: Ages 10-12.
- Youth Large: Ages 14-16.
- Youth XL: This is basically a Women's Small. If your teenager is tall, just jump to the adult sizes.
One thing to watch out for is the difference between "Replica" (Stadium) and "Authentic" (Vapor) jerseys. For youth sizes, you're almost always buying the Replica. Authentics are built for pro athletes—they’re tighter, more fragile, and honestly, way too expensive for someone who might spill a juice box on it. The Replica version is plenty durable for the playground.
Spotting the fakes in 2026
Since Sophia Smith is essentially the face of American soccer right now, the market is flooded with "cheap" versions. You'll see them on random sites for $30.
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Don't do it.
Real Nike jerseys have a specific jock tag on the bottom left hem with a unique serial number. The crest on a youth replica should be sewn on (embroidered), not just heat-pressed. If the fabric feels like a heavy plastic bag, it's a fake. The real deal uses Dri-FIT technology, which is lightweight and has a subtle mesh texture if you look closely.
The name change: Smith or Wilson?
As of 2025 and moving into the 2026 season, her official jersey name is Wilson. However, many fans still want the "Smith" jersey because that's the name she wore when she first broke out as the NWSL MVP.
If you find a "Smith #11" jersey on clearance, grab it. It's a collector's item now. But if your child is watching current games and sees "Wilson" on the screen, they might think the old jersey is "wrong." It’s worth a quick five-minute chat with your kid to see which one they actually want before you drop $90+.
Where to actually buy one
- U.S. Soccer Store: The safest bet for the national team kit.
- Nike.com: They often have the best stock of "Big Kids" sizes.
- PTFC Authentics: The only place for the official Portland Thorns versions.
- Soccer.com: Great for finding the jersey plus the official name/number customization.
Making the jersey last
Since these aren't cheap—expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $120 for a customized youth jersey—you have to wash them correctly.
Never put a soccer jersey in the dryer. The heat will absolutely destroy the heat-pressed "Wilson 11" on the back. It’ll start peeling after three cycles. Wash it inside out on cold, then hang it over a chair to dry. It’s polyester; it’ll be dry in an hour anyway.
Getting a sophia smith jersey youth size isn't just about the shirt. For a lot of young players, it’s about wearing the number of someone who proved that a kid from Colorado could become the best in the world.
To ensure you get the right kit, double-check the "Wilson" vs. "Smith" preference with your child first. Once that's settled, look for the Nike "Stadium" version in one size larger than their current t-shirt size to account for growth and layering. Stick to official retailers like the U.S. Soccer Store or PTFC Authentics to avoid poor-quality replicas that won't survive a single season of team practice.