Philadelphia Union prodigy, Cavan Sullivan, became the youngest player (14 years, 293 days) to ever debut in MLS history. The young American was substituted onto the field in the 85th minute, topping off the Union’s comfortable 5-1 home win against New England Revolution at Subaru Park on Wednesday night.
Cavan Sullivan MLS debut; youngest player in North American sports history
Welcome to the show, Cavan Sullivan. ✨
The 14-year-old becomes the youngest player to debut in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/qbgjh4QRns— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
The moment 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan made history. pic.twitter.com/7MuOWQMQgb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
A night to remember for young Cavan Sullivan. pic.twitter.com/rtSj9XaMk0
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
The 14-year-old also became the youngest player to ever appear among the top North American professional sports leagues (MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL and NWSL).
We are witnessing history.
This record-breaking debut comes just two months after signing the largest MLS Homegrown contract of all-time, with the American set to join Premier League’s Manchester City in 2027.
American wonderkid Cavan Sullivan to Manchester City, here we go!
Deal agreed as revealed weeks ago and now all the documents being signed with Philadelphia Union. Fee close to $1m + many add-ons.2009 talent will join #MCFC in the next years.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/vFw6ZP0M6X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2024
Former USMNT player and MLS prodigy, Freddy Adu — holder of the MLS record prior to Sullivan — congratulated the young Union player after breaking the record.
Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.
— FREDDY ADU (@FreddyAdu) July 18, 2024
The Sullivan family’s long-awaited night for Cavan also came in pair with a goal from older brother Quinn Sullivan (19) just minutes prior to the 14-year-old’s debut, with Quinn scoring the last goal of the night. And what a goal it was.
Quinn Sullivan with an absolute banger
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 18, 2024
Cavan had his own tries at goal, taking the chance on one of his only touches of the night with a solid shot on target from outside the box.
Instant impact from Cavan Sullivan, a nice drive and shot on goal from the 14 year old. Despite being the youngest-ever MLS player, he’s not scared. pic.twitter.com/0Zh2P3l0lp
— American Ultras Talk (@ameriultrastalk) July 18, 2024
The brother’s both walked and met their family in the stands at the final whistle, taking in one of the historic moments in American sports history.
Special moment for the Sullivan family.
Cavan Sullivan hugging his parents, brothers and the rest of the family after his MLS debut. pic.twitter.com/VMZQCKEsJV— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
Brotherly love
Cavan and Quinn Sullivan after sharing the field together for the first time with @PhilaUnion in MLS. pic.twitter.com/pJ1WaRYTjx— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
