Admired by Rapinoe, inspired by Wambach: Can USWNT’s Sophia Smith become 'the best in the world?'
At just 23, Smith is continuing to break new ground and emerge as a leader of the next generation of American stars. But who is the electric forward?
Football
The United States Women’s National team (USWNT) is renowned for making football superstars – and Sophia Smith is no different.
Despite being just 23, the electric forward looks set to assume the role of leading forward in the USA’s revamped squad.
During the recent friendly against the People's Republic of China, where the USWNT secured a 3-0 victory, it took the Portland Thorns star just eight minutes to get her name on the scoreboard.
Smith also played a pivotal role for her club in the 2023 NWSL campaign, contributing to 16 goals in 18 games, with 11 goals and five assists.
That's why she looks set to be the heir to the throne of many legendary USA forwards, such as Megan Rapinoe, who called time on her playing career this year.
With gaps cropping up in the squad as veterans begin to hang up their boots, players like Sophia are eager to prove themselves to incoming manager Emma Hayes.
Here, Olympics.com delves into the background of one of those stars at the front and centre.
Admired by Rapinoe, inspired by Wambach
Marta. Messi. Neymar. All of these players have something in common - when they have the ball, they light up the stage.
That is why Smith, a player enamoured by creativity on the ball, looks up to the sublime trio and their glittering careers to date.
But there are two household names a little closer to home that equally influenced Smith’s game.
All-time top USA scorer Abby Wambach is one of those, with Smith saying the now retired striker ‘inspired’ her to follow her dreams.
Rapinoe, meanwhile, had plenty to say about the 23-year-old prior to Smith’s Women’s World Cup bow in 2023, sharing: “She can just hurt you in so many different ways.
“She comes inside, she can beat you around the edge. She’s so quick.
“So smart, finish is great - she is kind of do-it-all player.”
High praise indeed for the 2022 NWSL MVP.
Sports run in the family
Some players are just born to have the ball at their feet, and Smith is no different in that regard.
The Colorado native was born into a sports-mad family that it seemed written in the stars she would go on to be successful one way or another; but when she played football for the first time, she knew that was it for her.
Her father Kenny played basketball, while both of her older siblings played sports too - it was inevitable she would follow in their footsteps.
Even her boyfriend - Michael Wilson, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals - is a professional athlete.
Suffice it to say, sports is Sophia’s world.
“The day I went to try out for my first team, I just fell in love with it and have been in love with it ever since,” she said in an interview with FIFA+.
The rest, as they say, is history (that is still being written!).
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Sophia Smith #11 of the USA Women's National Team dribbles the ball against the Wales National Team in the first half of the Send Off Match at PayPal Park on July 09, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Smith: I can be the best in the world
When you’re a young player coming through the ranks, particularly in a set-up like the USWNT camp that is stacked with talent, you have to back yourself.
Smith does exactly that.
“The best in the world,” she responded, when asked how good she can become.
“I said that even when I was younger, when I was nowhere near where I am now, when I had such a long way to go.
“That’s always been my goal, always where I wanted to be - I have to never be satisfied with where I am. I still want more from myself - a lot more.”
It is frightening that a player with the ability of Smith is continuing to push herself more and more. There is truly no telling how high she can go.
One thing is for sure, though: the USWNT is in extremely capable hands going forward.
Sophia Smith is the leader of the next generation of Americans ready to write their own chapter in the history books - and this is just the beginning.