Teenager Cavan Sullivan makes historic MLS debut, is congratulated by Freddy Adu

Cavan Sullivan is the youngest player in MLS history.

Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history, entering in the 85th minute of the Philadelphia Union‘s 5-1 win over DC United on Wednesday night. The American midfielder is being hailed as the next big thing in MLS and the national team.

At 14-years old, Sullivan eclipses the record previously set by Freddy Adu for the youngest debut in MLS history. Adu set the record in 2004, making his much-heralded debut at 14 years and 307 days old.

Sullivan turns 15 years old in September.

The debut came with the game well in hand for the Union. Sullivan is a member of the United States U-15 national team and is considered one of the top players in the world in his age group.

Becoming the youngest player in league history is something Sullivan says he didn’t necessarily aim for.

“Obviously it’s pretty cool to have. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to reach for it,” Sullivan told reporters after the game.

“It’s about where you finish. If I didn’t make it today or if I didn’t make it Saturday and I was the second youngest or the third youngest…As long as I make my debut and start my career here – it doesn’t matter to me.”

Sullivan said the buzz from the fans every time he was on the ball stood out to him.

Following the debut of Sullivan, the now-retired Adu posted on social media a congratulatory message for the Union debutant.

Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.

— FREDDY ADU (@FreddyAdu) July 18, 2024

“It was pretty cool to have some words from someone like him. He really paved the way for young guys like me,” Sullivan said of Adu’s post.

“I only have respect for him because he held the record for how many years – it was pretty awesome to hear from him.”

Adu would play 17 times for the United States national team. His club career saw him play for DC United and Real Salt Lake (as well as three seasons with the Union) in MLS along with European stops that included the likes of Benfica and Monaco.