The Sullivan Show: Quinn scores, but kid brother steals limelight
14-year-old Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in North American sports history, debuting for the Philadelphia Union as his brother, Quinn, scores in their 5-1 win over New England Revolution.
With his parents in the stands, his brother on the pitch, and a bit of sporting history to be made, Philadelphia Union's homegrown midfielder, Cavan Sullivan, became the youngest player ever to make a debut in a major North American sports league. At just 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan stepped onto the pitch during the Union's 5-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
This milestone surpassed the previous record held by Freddy Adu, who made his debut for D.C. United in 2004 at 14 years and 306 days old. Adding to the special occasion, Sullivan's older brother, Quinn Sullivan, also scored a goal in the match.
Youth Movement in MLS
Sullivan's debut highlights a growing trend in Major League Soccer, with five of the top 10 youngest players making their debuts since the start of the 2023 season, which bodes well moving forwards:
Top 10 Youngest MLS Debutants
Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union in 2024) – 14 years, 293 days
Freddy Adu (D.C. United in 2004) – 14 years, 306 days
Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls in 2023) – 15 years, 190 days
Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2016) – 15 years, 257 days
Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake in 2023) – 15 years, 288 days
Matai Akinmboni (D.C. United in 2022) – 15 years, 328 days
Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC in 2021) – 15 years, 351 days
T-8. Erik Duenas (LAFC in 2020) – 15 years, 362 days
T-8. Stiven Jimenez (FC Cincinnati in 2023) – 15 years, 362 days
Nimfasha Berchimas (Charlotte FC in 2024) – 16 years, 2 days
A New Era for North American Sports
Cavan Sullivan's debut not only marks a significant milestone for MLS but also for North American sports as a whole. As the youngest player to ever appear in a major league game, he has set a new standard for young athletes across all sports, demonstrating that if you’re good enough you’re old enough.
MLS – Cavan Sullivan (14 years, 293 days)
NWSL – Melanie Barcenas (15 years and 181 days)
NBA (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau) – Andrew Bynum (18 years, 6 days)
NHL (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau – Patrick Marleau (18 years, 16 days)
MLB (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau) – David Clyde (18 years, 66 days)
WNBA (per Elias Sports Bureau) – Maria Stepanova (19 years, 108 days)
NFL (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau) – Amobi Okoye (20 years, 91 days)
While Sullivan has joined Manchester City, which should see him move to the UK when he’s 18 because he doesn’t currently have a UK passport, it seems like an enormous amount of pressure to dump on a 14-year-old.
We’ll know the kind of potential once he hits 16/17 and see how he’s progressing at international level.
And while highlights reels can be misleading, if there’s one thing that sticks out is his eye for a pass and ability to execute it:
If he’s doing that at a higher level in a few years, he might be quite the player.
Thoughts? Who else is on your radar?
In Other Soccer News
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A minimum 155 Championship matches
A minimum 38 League One and League Two matches
All 15 Play-Off matches
A minimum 30 Carabao Cup matches
Three Bristol Street Motors Trophy matches
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Probe into Chelsea selling women’s club to exploit financial loophole. (Times)
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Stat(s) of the Day
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Analysis of the Day
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Quote of the Day
“Kylian's career wouldn't be this if he had lacked humility. And when he says he can play on the left, on the right or in any of the three forward positions, that's what he means. He didn't negotiate anything with Real Madrid for his position.” - Fayza Lamari (Kylian Mbappe's mum)
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