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.
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
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“It’s a huge step for a young player,” said Network 10 co-commentator and former Ninja A-League star Grace Gill as Pearson took to the field in Round 1.
“14 years old no less, coming up to play against women, to play against Holly McNamara, to play against some of the strongest opposition – and she’s got a big, buig task on her hands this afternoon. She looks comfortable so far.”
