Teenager Breaks Freddy Udu's MLS Record For Youngest Player

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to ever appear in a MLS match, breaking Freddy Adu's 20-year record.

Sullivan, who is 14 years, 293 days old, was called into the senior squad on Tuesday (July 16) and appeared in the second half of Wednesday's 5-1 win against the New England Revolution. The American soccer prodigy signed the largest homegrown contract in MLS history in May, which stipulates he will transfer to the English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City upon turning 18 as part of the agreement.

Sullivan, whose brother Quinn scored a goal for the Union on Wednesday, had limited opportunities on the ball during his MLS debut, but managed to have a strong run toward the end of the game, which included a powerful shot on goal from outside the penalty area. Adu, who previously set the record for youngest MLS player when he appeared in a game at the age of 14 years, 306 days, on April 3, 2024, shared a post congratulating Sullivan on his X account.

"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," Adu wrote.