Philadephia Union’s 14-year-old soccer phenom Cavan Sullivan set to break MLS record, enter North American sports history with professional debut

Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Union signed the 14-year old soccer phenom Cavan Sullivan to a four-year contract through 2028 – marking the largest homegrown contract in MLS history.

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

Cavan Sullivan is set to make his MLS debut tonight.

Union head coach Jim Curtin has announced that Cavan Sullivan will join the first team squad for the Union’s match against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Sullivan has scored in two consecutive MLS Next Pro matches for Union 2 and could now be on the brink of making his senior team debut.

Cavan Sullivan scores TWICE with Union 2

14-YEAR-OLD CAVAN SULLIVAN SCORES HIS SECOND PROFESSIONAL GOAL IN 2 MATCHES 😨 pic.twitter.com/3NK3oXfdmr

— Footy Access (@footy_access) July 12, 2024

Cavan Sullivan set to debut in MLS with Philadelphia Union – July 17, 2024

Since his debut should happen tonight or at least before July 29, 2024, Sullivan 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.

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. 

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

1. Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union on July 17, 2024) – 14 years
2. Freddy Adu (D.C. United on April 3, 2004) – 14 years
3. Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls on Sept. 30, 2023) – 15 years
4. Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 16, 2016) – 15 years
5. Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake on Oct. 14, 2023) – 15 years

[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]

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.