Philadelphia Union sign 14-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan to record deal

The Philadelphia Union have officially signed 14-year old soccer phenom Cavan Sullivan to a four-year contract through 2028 – marking the largest homegrown contract in Major League Soccer history. 

Born September 28, 2009 in Philadelphia, Sullivan will be the fifth-youngest player ever to sign a deal with Major League Soccer.

If Cavan Sullivan makes his MLS debut for the Union on or before July 29, 2024, he will become the youngest player to make his professional debut among the top North American professional sports leagues (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL) as well as the youngest player to make his debut among the top five European soccer leagues, according to the Union.

Cavan Sullivan signs record-setting deal with the Philadelphia Union

▪️ Repping Philadelphia
▪️ Making his MLS debut
▪️ Playing against his idol, Messi

Cavan Sullivan is all smiles after signing for @PhilaUnion. pic.twitter.com/nuBWL2LeKD

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 9, 2024

According to ESPN, Sullivan has a release clause that will allow him to transfer to English Premier League after he turns 18. Manchester City have agreement with MLS side Philadelphia Union to buy Cavan Sullivan for up to $5 million once the American teenager turns 18.

Cavan Sullivan is 5’8”, 150 pounds and will join his 20-year old brother Quinn Sullivan on the Union MLS squad. He was a major part of the United States Under-15 squad that won their first Concacaf championship in 2023 at just 13-years old. He scored four goals and took home the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament. 

Sky is the limit for 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nlDoF1ZYmU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 9, 2024

Sullivan also guided the Union U15 team to reach the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup final after wins over academy powerhouses Valencia, Arsenal and Real Madrid – scoring one minute into the match against Arsenal. He was named to the tournament’s Best XI for his performance.

Earlier this year, Sullivan helped the Union U17 squad win their second-consecutive GA Cup championship.

Youngest players to debut in MLS history

Sullivan will be first on this list if he debuts on or before July 29.

• Freddy Adu (D.C. United on April 3, 2004) – 14 years, 306 days
• Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls on Sept. 30, 2023) – 15 years, 190 days
• Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 16, 2016) – 15 years, 257 days
• Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake on Oct. 14, 2023) – 15 years, 288 days
• Matai Akinmboni (D.C. United on Sept. 10, 2022) – 15 years, 328 days

[USA TODAY]

Youngest players to play American professional team sports

Here are the youngest players to debut in American sports leagues, since 1970, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

• NWSL: Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave on April 29, 2023) – 15 years and 181 days
• NBA: Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 2, 2005) – 18 years, 6 days
• NHL: Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks on Oct. 1, 1997) – 18 years, 16 days
• MLB: David Clyde (Texas Rangers on June 27, 1973) – 18 years, 66 days
• WNBA: Maria Stepanova (Phoenix Mercury on June 11, 1998) – 19 years, 108 days

[USA TODAY]

Philadelphia Union next take the field against Orlando City on May 11.