In a big moment for Major League Soccer 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest ever MLS starter making his debut for the Philadelphia Union. This record breaks the old one held by Freddy Adu by 13 days. Since joining in 2020 when he was 10 Sullivan’s quick rise through the Philadelphia Union Academy shows how the club really wants to grow young players, like when they signed Malik Jakupovic recently.
- Cavan Sullivan has set a new record as the youngest MLS starter
- He joined the Philadelphia Union Academy in 2020 at the age of 10
- Sullivan’s debut shows how the Union helps young talent grow
Sullivan’s Promising Career Path
Sullivan’s debut isn’t just about breaking records but shows where his career might go. When he played for the Philadelphia Union II team he scored three goals this season which shows he’s ready for bigger things. People are already noticing him because he got picked for the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
🌟 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan makes his first MLS start for the Philadelphia Union tonight https://t.co/vWvOWqrspn
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert)
July 05, 2025
Future Prospects with Manchester City
After the 2027 MLS season Sullivan will go play for Manchester City in England. Big teams in Europe really want him which is why this is happening. Going to Manchester City will let Sullivan get better at soccer and play against the best teams in Europe.
Everyone’s watching Sullivan’s journey and sharing videos of how he plays. When he goes to Manchester City it’ll be really good for him cause he’ll get to learn a lot and become a better player in Europe.
Philadelphia Union’s Commitment to Youth Development
You can see how much Philadelphia Union cares about young players by what they do. They help players like Sullivan grow and they sign new young players like Malik Jakupovic even when teams from Europe want them which shows they know what they’re doing to make the team better in the future.
- Malik Jakupovic: The Union’s recent signing amidst European interest demonstrates their commitment to youth development.
The Union’s way of getting young players is working really good, you can see it with Sullivan breaking records and where he’s going next. This means good things are coming for the team and its players.
