Real Salt Lake Academy's Axel Kei made his professional debut at age 13 on Friday night in Herriman, Utah.
The Ivory Coast-born striker was a second-half substitute for the USL Championship side Real Monarchs, entering in the 61st minute of a 0-0 draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
At 13 years, nine months and nine days old, Kei is believed to be the youngest-ever player to make a professional appearance in American team sports.
History on a Friday night in Herriman, Utah from one of our own.
Axel Kei becomes the youngest to appear for a professional American sports team at 13 years, 9 months and 9 days! pic.twitter.com/uOcmcsUDi3— Real Salt Lake Academy (@RSLAcademy) October 9, 2021
13 years, nine months, nine days.
Real Salt Lake Academy player Axel Kei appeared for the @RealMonarchs last night, becoming the youngest athlete to feature for a professional American sports team(via @realsaltlake) pic.twitter.com/ttgJVKizds
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 9, 2021
In July, Kei led RSL Academy to the Under 15 MLS NEXT Cup championship with a 2-0 win against Philadelphia Union Academy. He won the Golden Boot at the event with five goals.
We told you to pay attention to Axel Kei
This goal was the second of his hat-trick for @RSLAcademy today pic.twitter.com/7raXIvtIWO— MLS NEXT (@MLSNEXT) June 27, 2021
