14-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder makes American sports history

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan became the youngest Major League Soccer debutant in history when he was subbed in against the New England Revolution in the 85th minute. At 14 years and 293 days old, he was 13 days younger than the previous record holder, Freddy Adu.

But Sullivan didn't just make MLS history when he stepped onto the field. He made American history, too. His playing time against New England made him the youngest debutant in the history of professional American sports.

"Look, this is just the start," Sullivan said after the match. "I'm really, really happy to have done this, but it's honestly the first box checked off, so a long journey ahead. I know it's all about where you finish, not where you start. So I'm just going to keep working, keep developing here. My main focus is on Philadelphia and our season ahead."

Sullivan's debut was the cherry on top of an excellent night for Philadelphia. It beat New England 5-1, securing its biggest win of the series, and Sullivan's older brother Quinn — himself a Philadelphia prospect — scored a screamer along the way.

It was a night of celebration in a season that hasn't had many. Philadelphia is currently ranked 14th out of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and looks unlikely to secure a playoff position in 2024.

But with players like Sullivan breaking through, Philly's future looks bright, even if the present isn't ideal.

"It's part of the business plan, it's part of the sporting model here at the Union, to develop young players," Philadelphia midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said after the match. "What a great evening tonight to be able to put Cavan on the field and break the record as a North American player. He's earned it."

Sullivan is a United States youth national and is expected to be in contention for a U.S. Men's National Team position in the future. He'll be just 16 when the World Cup comes to the States in 2026, but with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal lighting up the European Championships for Spain this summer, he may be able to make his mark on the senior squad that soon.

Philadelphia has three more guaranteed years with Sullivan to look forward to, but the young player has already signed a senior contract with England's Manchester City. When he turns 18, Sullivan will be free to move abroad and join City's senior squad.

"The reality is, guys, he's not a normal kid," Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin said after Sullivan's debut. "There's no such thing as too old or too young; there's only good and bad, and he's special. We can see that tonight. He's going to get better and better."

Philadelphia will return to action on Saturday against Nashville SC. If the conditions are right, Sullivan is in the squad for that game and may make his second MLS appearance.