Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history and the youngest to debut in a major American professional sports league.
Sullivan, who signed with the Philadelphia Union on May 9, came on as a substitute in the 85th minute of the Union’s 5-1 win over the New England Revolution on Wednesday night. Sullivan came on moments after a goal by his brother, Quinn, gave the Union a four-goal lead. Sullivan had a shot on goal in the 93rd minute, but the attempt from outside the box was saved by Revolution goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.
Sullivan made his debut at 14 years, 293 days, making him younger than Freddy Adu when he made his debut for DC United in 2004 (14 years, 306 days).
“This is just the first chapter in Cavan’s career,” Union coach Jim Curtin said after the game. “The time had come to give him a chance. This first step was planned by the Union, by Cavan, by his family, by the big clubs in Europe.
“The reality is he’s not a normal kid. We’ve known that from the beginning. He’s different. He has a different trajectory than other players. There’s a special plan for him.”
“The place was buzzing”
The victory is the Union’s first since May 18 and its first at home since March 30.
“You could feel the energy in the stadium tonight,” Curtin said. “(Cavan) came on the pitch and the place was buzzing.”
The Union entered Wednesday night’s game on a 10-game winless streak, a stretch that has pushed Philadelphia into an unfamiliar position — the Eastern Conference cellar. With the win, the Union moves closer to a playoff spot with 10 regular-season games remaining.
The Union has been one of the league’s most powerful teams in recent years. Philadelphia has qualified for the MLS playoffs in the previous six seasons, won the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, lost in an epic 2022 MLS championship game and has competed in the Concacaf Champions League in three of the previous four years, including this season.
Who are the youngest players to make their debut in MLS history?
- Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union July 17, 2024) – 14 years, 293 days
- Freddy Adu (DC United on April 3, 2004) – 14 years, 306 days
- Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls on September 30, 2023) – 15 years, 190 days
- Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 16, 2016) – 15 years, 257 days
- Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake on October 14, 2023) – 15 years, 288 days
Who are the youngest players to play American professional team sports?
Here are the youngest players to debut in American sports leagues (since 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau):
➤ NWSL: Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave on April 29, 2023) – 15 years, 181 days
➤ NBA: Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers on November 2, 2005) – 18 years and 6 days
➤ NHL: Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks on October 1, 1997) – 18 years and 16 days
➤ MLB: David Clyde (Texas Rangers June 27, 1973) – 18 years, 66 days
➤ WNBA: Maria Stepanova (Phoenix Mercury June 11, 1998) – 19 years, 108 days
➤ NFL: Amobi Okoye (Houston Texans, September 9, 2007) – 20 years, 91 days
Who are the youngest players to make their debut in European football leagues?
Here are the youngest players to make their debut in Europe’s top five football leagues (since 1988, according to Football Reference):
➤ English Premier League (England): Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal on 18 September 2022) – 15 years, 181 days
➤ La Liga (Spain): Luka Romero (Mallorca on June 24, 2020) – 15 years, 219 days
➤ Series A (Italy): Francesco Camarda (AC Milan on November 25, 2023) – 15 years, 260 days
➤ Bundesliga (Germany): Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund on November 21, 2020) – 16 years, 1 day
➤ Ligue 1 (France): Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille 10/22/2023) – 16 years, 20 days
Contributed by Safid Deen, USA TODAY Sports
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