Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest in US major sports to make pro debut

Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest player in MLS history, and the youngest to debut in any major professional U.S. sports league.

Sullivan — who signed with the Philadelphia Union on May 9 — came on as a substitute in the 85th minute in the Union's 5-1 win against the New England Revolution on Wednesday night. Sullivan entered the game moments after a goal from his brother, Quinn, gave the Union a four-goal lead. Sullivan had a shot on goal in the 93rd minute, but the attempt from outside the 18-yard box was saved by Revolution goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Sullivan made his debut at 14 years and 293 days old, making him younger than Freddy Adu was when Adu made his debut for D.C. United in 2004 (14 years, 306 days old).

"This is just the first chapter in Cavan's career," Union coach Jim Curtin said following the game. "The time was right to give him an opportunity. This first step was something that was planned by the Union, by Cavan, by his family, by big clubs in Europe.

"The reality is he's not a normal kid. We've known that from the start. He's different. He has a different trajectory than other players. … There's a special plan for him."

'The place had a buzz'

The victory was the first for the Union since May 18 and the first at home since March 30.

"You could feel the energy in the stadium tonight," Curtin said. "(Cavan) now steps on the field and the place had a buzz."

The Union entered Wednesday night's match riding a 10-game winless streak, a slump that had pushed Philadelphia into an unfamiliar spot — the cellar of the Eastern Conference. With the win, the Union move to within easy striking distance of a playoff spot with 10 more regular-season games to play.

The Union have been one of the league's powerhouse teams in recent years. Philadelphia qualified for the MLS playoffs in the previous six seasons, won the 2020 Supporters' Shield, lost in an epic 2022 MLS championship game and competed in the Concacaf Champions League in three of the previous four years, including this season.

Who are the youngest players to debut in MLS history?

1. Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union on July 17, 2024) - 14 years, 293 days
2. Freddy Adu (D.C. United on April 3, 2004) – 14 years, 306 days
3. Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls on Sept. 30, 2023) – 15 years, 190 days
4. Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 16, 2016) – 15 years, 257 days
5. Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake on Oct. 14, 2023) – 15 years, 288 days

Who are the youngest players to play American professional team sports?

Here are the youngest players to debut in American sports leagues (since 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau):

➤ NWSL: Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave on April 29, 2023) – 15 years, 181 days

➤ NBA: Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 2, 2005) – 18 years, 6 days

➤ NHL: Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks on Oct. 1, 1997) – 18 years, 16 days

➤ MLB: David Clyde (Texas Rangers on June 27, 1973) – 18 years, 66 days

➤ WNBA: Maria Stepanova (Phoenix Mercury on June 11, 1998) – 19 years, 108 days

➤ NFL: Amobi Okoye (Houston Texans on Sept. 9, 2007) – 20 years, 91 days

Who are the youngest players to debut in European soccer leagues?

Here are the youngest players to debut in the five major European soccer leagues (since 1988, according to Football Reference):

➤ English Premier League (England): Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal on Sept. 18, 2022) – 15 years, 181 days

➤ La Liga (Spain): Luka Romero (Mallorca on June 24, 2020) – 15 years, 219 days

➤ Serie A (Italy): Francesco Camarda (AC Milan on Nov. 25, 2023) – 15 years, 260 days

➤ Bundesliga (Germany): Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund on Nov. 21, 2020) – 16 years, 1 day

➤ Ligue 1 (France): Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille on Oct. 22, 2023) – 16 years, 20 days

Contributing: Safid Deen, USA TODAY Sports

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