Most 14-year-olds are getting ready for their freshman year of high school right now. Maybe they’re finishing (or starting) their summer reading or shopping for a new set of clothes.
But that’s not the case with Cavan Sullivan. The football phenomenon has just made his MLS debut with the Philadelphia Union and is no ordinary teenager.
Sullivan has been on the soccer world’s radar for several years, having joined the Union academy in 2020. He was recently called up to the senior team in Philadelphia and made his debut in Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the New England Revolution.
With her second-half substitution, Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history and in the history of any major North American professional sports league, including the NWSL, NBA, WNBA, NFL and NHL.
The phenom has already signed a long-term contract with the Union, with a plan built in to send him to Premier League club Manchester City. Here’s everything you need to know about the 14-year-old football star.
Who is Cavan Sullivan?
Sullivan is a 14-year-old soccer player for the Philadelphia Union. He was born on September 28, 2009 and will turn 15 this year.
Sullivan was born and raised in North Philadelphia and grew up in a household full of football players. His older brother, Quinn Sullivan, plays for the Union’s first team, so the two brothers can now share the pitch after Cavan’s promotion from the second team.
Sullivan’s parents, Brendan and Heike, played football at the University of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Larry, played at Temple and coached at Villanova.
Sullivan is expected to be the best of his family. The teenager joined the Philadelphia Union academy in 2020, and Union head coach Jim Curtain said he “has the ability and the talent to become, I’ll just say, a household name.”
Taylor Twellman, a former U.S. national soccer team player and current analyst, said Manchester City scouts called Sullivan “the best 14-year-old in the world.” Twellman agreed with that sentiment.
Cavan Sullivan makes his MLS debut
Sullivan made his debut for the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, July 17 against the New England Revolution. He became the youngest player to play in league history at 14 years and 293 days.
Welcome to the show, Cavan Sullivan. ✨
The 14-year-old becomes the youngest player to debut in MLS history. image.twitter.com/qbgjh4QRns
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
His debut breaks Freddy Adu’s record, set in 2004, by 13 days.
Cavan Sullivan entered the game in the 85th minute and officially became the youngest player to make his regular season debut in a major North American professional sports league at 14 years and 293 days old.#DOOP image.twitter.com/gNx0RqKCsW
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 18, 2024
Cavan Sullivan contract
The Philadelphia Union signed Sullivan to a record contract earlier this year. The 14-year-old became the fifth youngest player sign a contract with an MLS club and he will earn the most money of any youngster.
Adu’s contract at age 14 was worth about $500,000 in total, but Sullivan’s record contract is Reportedly a little more Sullivan is expected to remain in the United States until he is 18, when he will transfer to Premier League side Manchester City, as stipulated in his contract.
While the United States has developed some great talent in recent years, the best soccer is generally played across the pond. England’s Premier League is considered one of the best leagues in the world and Sullivan will be heading there after he turns 18.
Sullivan has a German passport, which allows him to play for any European club at the age of 16 due to child labour laws, but he cannot play in England until he is 18 due to Brexit.
Cavan Sullivan High School
Although Sullivan is not a normal 14-year-old, he is still in high school. He attends YSC Academy, the same school where his father Brendan teaches.
The school is designed to allow Sullivan and other professional athletes to balance the lifestyle of being a professional at such a young age. There is a flexible schedule that allows classes to be organized around training and games.
“The impact of the academy on Cavan’s development is evident,” His mother Heike said“He’s been there since he was a baby and Quinn since he was 12. Obviously we’re a footballing family and Dad’s a great coach, which is always a plus, but I think the academy has been great for Cavan. He’s always had the opportunity to play at a higher level, even for two more years when it’s appropriate, and that’s helped him.”
