On Wednesday night, 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union made history by becoming the youngest player to ever play in Major League Soccer (MLS) — and likely one of the youngest to play in any major professional sports league globally.
At just 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan entered the game as a substitute in the 85th minute against the New England Revolution. This milestone makes him approximately two weeks younger than Freddy Adu was when he made his debut for DC United in 2004. Adu's debut was a sensation at the time, making headlines across the sports world, and Sullivan's debut is poised to generate similar buzz.
Adding to the excitement, Sullivan made his debut shortly after his older brother, 20-year-old Quinn Sullivan, scored a goal, boosting Philadelphia's lead to 5-1. The Sullivan brothers' on-field collaboration is a testament to their family's soccer prowess and has captured the hearts of fans.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan dribbles the ball during the game between the New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union on July 17.Terence Lewis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Replacing forward Tai Baribo, Cavan Sullivan managed to get a few touches during the final minutes of the Union's dominant victory. In the last minute of injury time, he even took his first shot on goal from outside the penalty area, which was saved by New England's Aljaz Ivacic. Despite not scoring, his confident play demonstrated his readiness for the professional level.
"Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today," Adu posted on social media. "That’s a hard record to break, and the kid did it. Well done and good luck, my man." Adu's recognition underscores the significance of Sullivan's achievement within the soccer community.
Sullivan's achievement places him as the youngest player in the NBA, NHL, NFL, NWSL, WNBA, or Major League Baseball since at least 1970, based on data from the Elias Sports Bureau. Previously, the youngest debut in these leagues was by Andrew Bynum, who debuted for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005 at 18 years and 6 days old.
According to FBRef, the youngest debut in the top five soccer leagues since 1988 was Ethan Nwaneri, who played for Arsenal in 2022 at 15 years and 181 days old. These milestones highlight the increasing trend of young talents making early debuts in professional sports, setting new benchmarks for future athletes.
Born in Philadelphia to soccer-playing parents, Cavan Sullivan joined the Union’s youth academy four years ago. His rapid development through the ranks of the academy system speaks to his dedication and the support of the club's developmental programs. He made his professional debut in March for the Philadelphia Union II in MLS’ developmental league, further proving his capabilities.
The Philadelphia Union's investment in youth development is clearly paying off, with Cavan Sullivan's debut serving as a beacon of the club's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Cavan Sullivan's talent and potential but also underscores the growing opportunities for young athletes in professional sports. As the youngest player to ever grace the MLS field, Sullivan's journey is just beginning, and fans are eagerly anticipating his future contributions to the sport.
In addition to the immediate impact on the field, Sullivan's debut could have long-term implications for the MLS and soccer in the United States. His success may inspire other young athletes to pursue their dreams, potentially leading to an influx of young talent in the league. The increased attention could also boost the popularity of soccer in the country, attracting new fans and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport.