Records are meant to be broken, and we couldn’t agree more. Today, a historic feat was witnessed in American soccer as Cavan Sullivan became the youngest-ever player in the history of Major League Soccer to make his debut for Philadelphia Union. While fans are busy hailing the Manchester City-bound teenager for this remarkable feat, this ponders us to know which other youngest players has Sullivan surpassed.

Standing at the forefront of the list is, of course, Cavan Sullivan. He made his debut at the age of 14 years, 293 days old during Union’s 5-1 win over the New England Revolution. The teenager came in the 85th minute of the match, just minutes after his elder brother and also a substitute, Quinn Sullivan, scored a stunner. Interestingly, with the debut, Cavan Sullivan has broken the 20-year-old record of former American star Freddy Adu, who made his debut at age 14 years, 306 days.

Third on the list is NY Red Bulls Julian Hall. Currently 16, the forward made his debut aged 15 years, 190 days. Alphonso Davies takes the 4th place as the Bayern Munich sensation made his debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps at 15 years, 257 days. Further on the list include, 2007-born Axel Kei (15 years, 288 days) for Real Salt Lake, Matai Akinmboni (15 years, 328 days) for DC United, and Obed Vargas (15 years, 351 days) for Seattle Sounders.

Further names that make the list of the top 10 youngest players in the MLS see Erik Dueñas of LAFC and Steven Jiminez of FC Cincinnati tie at 15 years, 352 days, while 2008-born Nimfasha Berchimas makes the cut aged 16years, 2 days.

Currently impressing in the MLS, Cavan Sullivan will soon be making strides at Manchester City

Interestingly, Cavan Sullivan has a clause in his Philadelphia Union contract that after turning 18, he will move to Manchester City. The teenage sensation was acquired from FC Delco Academy in 2020. Since then, he has been impressing in the MLS Next Pro, having recently bagged two goals in two consecutive matches. He also has an assist to his name in over 10 appearances. It is interesting to note that the financial details of his contract with Sky Blues haven’t been revealed.

Until he turns 18, Sullivan has enough time to make progress within the ranks of the Union and impress out. If it remains the same for the young attacking prospect then there’s no stopping him. Rest assured, at Manchester City, he will get diverse exposure to the European stage. However, Sullivan shall keep his head down and continue his hard work to stand out from the crowd. For now, he can pat his back for etching his name in the history books of the US Soccer.