CHESTER, Pa. — Fourteen-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in Major League Soccer history on Wednesday night — and probably the youngest to play in any of the biggest professional sports leagues in the world.
Sullivan was 14 years, 293 days old, when he entered Philadelphia’s home game as a substitute in the 85th minute against the New England Revolution. That makes him about two weeks younger than Freddy Adu when he made his MLS debut in 2004 for DC United.
Sullivan made his debut moments after his brother, 20-year-old Quinn, scored a goal to put Philadelphia up 5-1.
Cavan Sullivan, who replaced forward Tai Baribo, got a handful of touches in the final minutes of the Union’s blowout win. He even recorded his first shot on goal, blasting it at New England’s net from outside the penalty area in the final minute of injury time, but it was comfortably saved by Aljaz Ivacic.
“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today,” Adu wrote on social media. “That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.”
Sullivan is younger than any player who has appeared in the NBA, NHL, NFL, NWSL, WNBA or Major League Baseball since at least 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Andrew Bynum, who debuted for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005 at the age of 18 years, 6 days, holds that mark.
The youngest debut in the five biggest soccer leagues around the world since at least 1988, according to FBRef.com, was Ethan Nwaneri, who came on for Arsenal in 2022 at 15 years, 181 days.
The younger Sullivan was born in Philadelphia to two soccer-playing parents, and he joined the Union’s youth academy four years ago. He made his professional debut in March for the Philadelphia Union II in MLS’ developmental league.
Cavan Sullivan made history on Saturday as the youngest player to ever make his debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) at just 15 years old. The talented teenager took the field for the first time for the New York Red Bulls in their match against Atlanta United, showcasing his skills and potential to become a future star in the league.
Sullivan’s debut has been highly anticipated by fans and soccer enthusiasts alike, as he has been making waves in the youth soccer scene for years. His impressive performances in the Red Bulls’ academy system earned him a call-up to the first team, where he has been training and preparing for this moment.
Despite his young age, Sullivan showed no signs of nerves as he took to the field against seasoned professionals. His speed, agility, and technical ability were on full display as he held his own against Atlanta United’s defenders, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates and making crucial defensive plays.
Sullivan’s debut is a testament to the talent and potential that exists within the youth soccer system in the United States. With more and more young players like him being given opportunities to showcase their skills at the highest level, the future of American soccer looks bright.
As Sullivan continues to develop and grow as a player, it will be exciting to see how he progresses in the MLS and potentially beyond. With the right guidance and support, there is no doubt that he has the potential to become a standout player in the league and make a name for himself on the international stage.
Overall, Cavan Sullivan’s record-breaking appearance in the MLS is not only a milestone for him personally but also a significant moment for American soccer as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the talent and potential that exists within the youth ranks and highlights the importance of nurturing and developing young players to help them reach their full potential.