14-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Player in MLS History

“Soccer” history was made last night when 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan was brought on in Philadelphia Union’s game 5-1 win New England Revolution, becoming the youngest ever player to appear in an MLS game.

What Records has Cavan Sullivan Broken?

Aged 14 years and 293 days, Sullivan, who came on in the 85th minute and managed to have a shot on target, broke the record previously held by Freddie Adu (remember him?), who was 14 years 306 days old when he played for DC United back in 2004.

Adu took to social media to congratulate him: “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.”

In the process of making MLS history, the teenage midfielder also broke the record to become the youngest North American player to appear in any team sport.

Cavan Sullivan makes his MLS debut for Philadelphia Union at 14 years and 293 days 👶

He becomes the youngest player ever to debut among the top North American professional sports leagues (MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL).

(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/nQkmNOFGW8

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 18, 2024

For a reference point, the youngest player to appear in the premier league is Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who was a positively ancient 15 years and 181 days when he made his debut back in 2022.

Will Man City Sign Sullivan?

Considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the world, Sullivan has already agreed a contract with Philadelphia that contains a clause calling for a move to Manchester City when he is 18, though if he develops rapidly, he could find himself playing in Europe at as young as 16.

He seemed destined for the record books from the moment he signed his homegrown contract with Philadelphia, becoming the fifth youngest player to sign such an agreement, while the deal is also the most expensive of its kind in MLS history.

Moments before coming on, his older brother and teammate Quinn Sullivan, 20, had scored a delicious, curling long distance finish, and went over to celebrate with his younger sibling, who in coming on right after the goal, created a somewhat poetic moment. It was certainly some night for the Sullivan family.

With the 14 year old now in the public limelight for the first time, only time will tell if he can thrive under pressure, but his name is certainly one you should keep your eye on.