Cavan Sullivan’s name has become well-known in American soccer circles. Whispers of his names can be heard in most every MLS stadium and press box, and his face has been plastered all over social media.
Last week, Sullivan stole international headlines by becoming the youngest player in MLS history. He debuted for his hometown club, the Philadelphia Union, at just 14 years and 293 days old. Those who haven’t heard of him before know who he is now. Those who have know just how high his ceiling is.
A Rapid Ascent to the Top
Sullivan was a big talent from a very young age, joining one of Philadelphia’s strongest club teams, FC Delco, in 2018. In 2020, he was picked up by his local MLS side, Philadelphia Union, and joined the club’s highly-regarded academy. Despite not yet being a teenager, the gifted American quickly became the Union’s top prospect.
Sullivan barely played in his own age group at youth level. Last year, Philadelphia’s U-15 side finished as runners-up in the Generation Adidas Cup, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world. 13-year-old Sullivan wasn’t in that squad, not because he was too young, but because he was too good. The attacker competed at the same tournament with the U-17s, who won their bracket with a 1-0 defeat of FC Dallas in the final.
On the rare occasion Sullivan plays in the “correct” age category, he dominates. Representing the United States at the CONCACAF U-15 Championship in 2023, the teenager scored five goals in five matches as the Stars and Stripes lifted the trophy. He hasn’t made a national team appearance since, but it’s only a matter of time.
Professional Football at 14
2024 always seemed like it was going to be Sullivan’s breakout year. He signed his first professional contract, the largest for a homegrown player in league history, then joined Philadelphia Union II of the third-tier MLS NEXT Pro for the new season. After just ten professional appearances (in which he registered four goal involvements), Sullivan was called up to the first team for a match against the New England Revolution.
In a beautifully poetic moment, Cavan entered the pitch in the 86th minute, seconds after his 20-year-old brother Quinn had scored a beautiful curler to make it 5-1 to the Union. The younger Sullivan thus broke Freddy Adu’s long-standing record for the youngest player to debut in MLS.
The 14-year-old made a brief return to youth football this week, having been named to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. In a 4-2 victory for his Eastern Conference side, Sullivan scored from the spot and provided an assist, earning MVP honors. The records and accolades are streaming in for a boy who will only turn 15 in September.
What Next For Cavan?
Fans and pundits have been quick to label Sullivan the new face of American soccer. With his imposing pitch presence, quick thinking, acute football ability and incredible maturity off-pitch, it’s easy to forget he’s only played in 11 professional matches. Throw in the fact that the youngster has already been signed to a pre-contract by Manchester City and it’s no surprise people are getting a little carried away.
There’s no denying that Sullivan has immense potential, but too much pressure is never a good thing. He’ll continue to fine-tune his game with Union II before he’s judged to be ready for a full integration into the first team. This could very well happen sooner rather than later. He’s already been named to the senior squad for the upcoming Leagues Cup.
Due to UK laws forbidding foreign players under 18 from competing in the Premier League, Sullivan won’t be joining Man City’s ranks for a while. However, we could see him in Europe as soon as the 2025/2026 season. Most other European countries set the age minimum to 16. City Football Group own La Liga side Girona, Ligue 2 outfit Troyes and Serie B club Palermo. A loan move to any of these clubs could be a viable option for Sullivan before he turns 18.
For now, the Philadelphia Union will help develop one of soccer’s biggest rising talents. Cavan Sullivan is a superstar in the making.
Main Image: “Philadelphia Union Home Opener” by Gary W. via Flickr