American professional soccer player, Cavan Sullivan, is a fourteen-year-old midfielder for Philadelphia Union, that has set a new record as the youngest player in Major League Soccer history.
Sullivan, anticipated to join Manchester City at 18, came on as an 85th-minute substitute during the 5-1 victory over New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.
At 14 years and 293 days old, he surpassed the record held by Freddy Adu, who was 14 years and 306 days when he played for DC United in 2004.Sullivan also became the youngest athlete in North America to compete in the top tier of a team sport.
He signed with Philadelphia in May, marking the largest home grown player deal in MLS history.
“The partnership between the Union and the City Group was crucial 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 collaborate and agree on something. I sat down with my family and agents and we decided it was the best plan.”
Adu responded to his record being broken on social media. “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” Adu said.
“That’s a tough record to beat, and he did it. Well done and good luck, my man.”
Before Sullivan’s debut, Union manager Jim Curtin told the MLS website, “The sky’s the limit.
“He’s a generational talent, one who can really change the game by himself.”
Sullivan’s brother Quinn, 20, also plays for the Union.
The youngest male player to appear in the English top flight is Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted for Arsenal at 15 years and 181 days in 2022.
Nancy Mbamalu
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