Cavan Sullivan Makes History as Youngest MLS Player at 14 Years Old
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 3:04PM GMT Thurs, 18July, 2024
In a groundbreaking moment for Major League Soccer (MLS), 14-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union has etched his name in the league’s history books. Sullivan’s remarkable debut came as an 85th-minute substitute during the Union’s commanding 5-1 victory over the New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.
Sullivan, at just 14 years and 293 days old, surpasses the previous record set by Freddy Adu in 2004, becoming the youngest player ever to grace the MLS. Adu was 14 years and 306 days old when he made his debut for DC United, marking Sullivan’s achievement as a significant milestone in North American team sports.
Reflecting on his debut, Sullivan expressed awe at the atmosphere following his brother Quinn’s goal just before his entrance, describing it as “absolute chaos” and the stadium as “electric.” He humbly acknowledged this moment as merely the beginning of his journey, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong rather than starting early.
His transition to the Union in May, hailed as the largest homegrown player deal in MLS history, reflects Sullivan’s rapid rise and potential. He shared his excitement about the partnership between Philadelphia and Manchester City, a club he aspires to join upon turning 18, citing it as a dream opportunity.
Union manager Jim Curtin praised Sullivan as a “generational talent,” foreseeing his ability to reshape the game with his exceptional skills. This sentiment echoes Sullivan’s ambition and determination to make a lasting impact in professional soccer.
Meanwhile, former prodigy Freddy Adu, now 35 years old, congratulated Sullivan on his record-breaking achievement, recognizing the difficulty of breaking such a milestone and wishing him continued success.
As Sullivan continues to make headlines in MLS, his journey serves as inspiration for young athletes worldwide, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in sports.
For more updates on Cavan Sullivan and MLS, visit MLS website.
