Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest debutant in MLS history at age 14

Sullivan is expected to join Manchester City when he turns 18.

Cavan Sullivan made history in Major League Soccer when he was introduced in the Philadelphia Union’s game against the New England Revolution, becoming the youngest player to step foot in the competition.

Sullivan, who is anticipated to sign a contract with Manchester City when he turns 18, entered the game in the 85th minute. The match which was played at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania saw Union overcome the New England Revolution by a 5-1 scoreline.

Cavan Sullivan surpassed Freddy Adu’s record of 14 years and 306 days, set in 2004 while he was a player for DC United, at 14 years and 293 days.

Sullivan also made history by becoming the youngest player from North America in a team sport’s highest division.

“The collaboration between the Union and the City Group was – that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team,” Sullivan told ESPN at the time.

“For [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something – I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan.”

Ethan Nwaneri, who earned his Arsenal bow in 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days, is the youngest male player to have appeared in the Premier League.

Adu reacted to his record being broken on social media. “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” Adu said.

“That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man. He’s a generational talent, one who can really change the game by himself.”

Manchester City will ultimately sign the academy talent who the Union signed to a homegrown deal in May, as the team officially revealed.

Sullivan is regarded as one of the top American athletes of his time. He scored both of his team’s goals in an U-15 encounter between the United States and England in April of last year. After a 2-2 draw, the Americans prevailed via the penalty shootout.

At the CONCACAF U-15 Championships, Cavan Sullivan was voted the best player. In the final, Sullivan provided two assists as Mexico were defeated 4–2.

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