On Wednesday, Cavan Sullivan achieved a historic milestone in MLS. (USA TODAY Sports)
Cavan Sullivan, a remarkable 14-year-old, stole the spotlight in Philadelphia Union’s recent MLS match against the New England Revolution. In a thrilling 5-1 victory, Sullivan made history by becoming the youngest player ever to debut in any major North American professional sports league at just 14 years and 293 days old.
The young midfielder’s achievement surpassed the previous record held by Freddy Adu, who debuted at 14 years and 306 days old back in 2004. Adu himself took to social media to congratulate Sullivan on breaking his long-standing record, acknowledging the difficulty of achieving such a milestone.
Sullivan entered the game in the 85th minute to thunderous cheers from the crowd gathered at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. After the match, he joined his older brother Quinn, a 20-year-old midfielder for the Union, and their family on the field for a memorable photo.
Despite the Union’s position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the team celebrated their fifth win of the season with Sullivan’s debut adding a bright spot to their campaign.
Since bursting onto the scene, Sullivan has quickly become a favorite among fans. Reflecting on his debut, he humbly stated, “this was just the start,” emphasizing his focus on continuous improvement and contributing to Philadelphia’s season ahead.
Speaking to reporters, Sullivan expressed his surprise at the overwhelming support from the fans during the match. “Every time I touched the ball, they went crazy,” he said, clearly moved by the atmosphere and support.
Since emerging, Sullivan has garnered strong support from fans and become a favorite among them. (USA TODAY Spoprts)
Earlier this year, Sullivan signed a notable four-year contract with the Union, extending through 2028. His promising performances with Philadelphia’s minor league team, including scoring in his last two matches, underscore his potential in the sport.
Looking ahead, Sullivan’s contract reportedly includes a release clause that could see him move to Manchester City in the English Premier League once he turns 18, highlighting his status as a rising star in soccer.
The Union’s next game is scheduled for Saturday against Nashville SC, where fans eagerly anticipate seeing more of Sullivan’s talent on display.
