American soccer prodigy Olivia Moultrie, 13, turns pro
American soccer prodigy Olivia Moultrie, 13, turned pro on Monday after signing a representation deal with the Wasserman Media Group.
The youth national team player, who helped the U.S. win the 2018 CONCACAF Girls' U-15 Championship, also signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, according to Andrew Keh of the New York Times.
Moultrie made headlines two years ago when she accepted an offer to join the University of North Carolina, becoming the youngest girls’ soccer player to publicly commit to an academic scholarship offer.
However, Moultrie has now relinquished her chance to attend the collegiate institute as her partnership with the Wasserman Media Group makes her ineligible.
Although she has reportedly attracted interest from clubs such as Bayern Munich, Lyon, and Paris Saint-Germain, FIFA rules prohibit youth players from signing with foreign teams until they turn 18.
Keh suggests signing on as a developmental player with a club in the National Women's Soccer League could be her next step. But NWSL rules state that players must also be 18.
On Sunday, Moultrie featured in Nike's "Just Do It" commercial during the Academy Awards:
If they think you’re dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do #justdoit pic.twitter.com/DdL5MaUQgo
— Olivia Moultrie (@olivia_moultrie) February 24, 2019