Lily Yohannes on Change and Life Off the Pitch
At just 17, Lily Yohannes is already navigating a world far bigger than most her age — on and off the pitch. From moving across continents to signing with Ajax, she has embraced every change with calm determination. Grounded by her close-knit family and fueled by a competitive edge, Lily isn’t just chasing goals, she’s building a future with purpose.
In this exclusive Life After Football interview, Yohannes talks about how it is to change environments at a very young age, and her life off the pitch. If you want to read the first part of the interview, click here.
CHANGE
Change has played a major role in Lily Yohannes’ journey. From moving across the world as a child to taking her first steps into professional football. Each transition has shaped her growth, both on and off the pitch, helping her carve the person she is today. We asked her a few questions about this big part of her life.
You experienced quite a big change at a very young age: moving from the US to the Netherlands. How have you handled this transition?
Lily Yohannes: ‘I moved when I was ten years old, and for me it was just sort of exciting. It’s a new country, new environment.I moved with my family so it wasn’t all scary you know. But I still missed my other family members who stayed,and, of course, I missed my friends. But once we got here, we adapted pretty quickly. I joined school, started playing football and I started to really like it here (smiles). Everything just clicked and became normal. I think I transitioned pretty well.’
Can you share a moment of change in your life that felt transformative?
‘Well, I would say when I joined Ajax, that was a very big step in my career. From my first year, to signing, to the things that I’ve been able to experience until now, I think Ajax has really believed in me and given me the opportunities to show myself. To experience so many things. I would say that was the first big step in my short career so far.’
How do you see the future of women’s football. What changes would you like to see in the sport to help it grow even further?
‘I think women’s football has made so many steps in the past years. The visibility, the attention, how many fans are coming to games and stadiums, access. There’s so much progress that has been made and I think it’s just a start. I think there’s so much growth to be made still, whether that’s access, pay, research. There’s still so many steps to be made, and I think it’s just a matter of time and that growth hopefully will happen.’
OFF THE PITCH
Away from the spotlight, footballers often reveal a different side. One shaped by routine, relationships, and the quieter moments that keep them grounded. These off-the-pitch realities often go unnoticed but play a vital role in shaping who they are as athletes and individuals. In Lily Yohannes’ case, it’s here that her focus, values, and sense of self truly come into view.
You mentioned that you try to listen only to the voices that matter and block out the rest. Who would you say has the biggest influence on your journey, both on and off the pitch?
‘Definitely my family. My family is very important to me and they have played a very big role in my journey in life and football. My dad, my mom, both sacrifice so much for me. They’ve done everything they can to make sure that I can be in the position I am today.
My dad is basically like my second coach. Always telling me how I can improve (laughs). But I like the way he’s encouraging me. And my mom, my support system, she’s always there for me. I have two brothers also, we used to play together since I was a little kid. I’ve always been running after them, trying to be like them, doing what they’re doing. So, that’s also helped me to be the player I am today. I’ll always remember when I was little, my dad would take my brothers and me to go train, and that’s where it’s all started. So, my family for sure.’
How do you want to be remembered? Both, as a footballer and as a role model for young athletes?
‘I want to be remembered as somebody who’s given their all for the game, while inspiring young people to go for their goals. I want to help to continue what the players before me started in terms of expanding the women’s game and yeah, just inspiring youth.’
Curious for more? Read the full interview with Lily Yohannes in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 84.
