Philadelphia Union attacker Cavan Sullivan is the youngest player to play a match in the Major League Soccer.
That might be all that is popularly known about Cavan Sullivan currently, however, we have all the essential information that you need about the burgeoning young footballer.
Who Is Cavan Sullivan?
Cavan is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union.
When And Where Was He Born?
Cavan Sullivan was born on September 28, 2009, in Philadelphia, United States and he is presently 14 years old.
His Parents
Reports indicate that Cavan is of German and Bangladeshi descent through his mother, Haike.
Haike played Division I football and she captained the Penn women’s team, the female team of the University of Pennsylvania.
His father is Brendan Sullivan, who played for five clubs over a six-year professional career in the A-League, now known as the USL Championship, the second division of American soccer.
Before his stint in the A-League, Brendan was an All-Ivy League selection at the University of Pennsylvania and prior to that, he accentuated his brilliance at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia.
Cavan Sullivan’s Young Football Career
The American joined the youth academy of Philadelphia Union in 2020 and helped the club win the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup.
Cavan made his professional debut for Philadelphia Union II – the affiliate team of Philadelphia Union on March 24, 2024, coming on in the 56th minute of an MLS Next Pro match against New England Revolution II.
The 14-year-old provided an assist in the 81st minute of the encounter, setting up Sal Olivas, as Philadelphia Union II secured a 2-1 comeback victory over New England Revolution II.
Moreover, on May 9, 2024, Cavan Sullivan signed a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union until 2028.
This made him the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in Major League Soccer history.
The contract is understood to be the most expensive homegrown deal in Major League Soccer history.
Additionally, Cavan and his family shared to ESPN that the youngster’s contract with Philadelphia Union includes a clause that calls for a transfer to Manchester City once he becomes 18.
If Cavan Sullivan’s development continues to go on the upward trajectory he can conceivably play in Europe at the age of 16.
However, he will not be able to play in England and in that case, continental European clubs that share ownership with Man City, namely; Spanish side Girona, Belgian side Lommel, Italian side Palermo, and French side Troyes, could be his destination.
Youngest Player To Feature In A Major League Soccer Match
On July 17, 2024, at the age of 14 years and 293 days, Cavan made his Major League Soccer debut for the Philadelphia Union in an encounter against the New England Revolution.
That saw him become the youngest player to appear in a league match for a major professional league in the United States, shattering the record set by Freddy Adu in 2004 by 13 days.
The game against New England Revolution ended 5-1 in favor of Philadelphia Union, with Cavan Sullivan coming on to replace Tai Baribo in the 85th, just a minute after elder brother, Quinn, put the icing on the cake.
Cavan Sullivan’s International Career
He is eligible to play for the United States and Germany.
Cavan has represented the United States internationally at youth level, having helped the United States boys’ national under-15 soccer team clinch the 2023 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship.
Cavan Sullivan Style Of Play
The 14-year-old basically functions as a midfielder and he is known for his vision alongside his passing ability.
Cavan Sullivan’s Position
The left-footed player play primarily as an attacking midfielder, but he can also be utilized
Cavan Sullivan’s Siblings
Cavan’s oldest brother, Quinn, currently plays for the first-team of the Philadelphia Union and he is 20 years old, born on March 27, 2004.
Cavan Sullivan’s other older brothers, Declan and Ronan, are also football players, with both currently attending YSC Academy and plying their trade with MLS NEXT affiliate side FC DELCO.
His older cousin is Chris Albright, an retired American footballer who played two seasons for the Philadelphia Union.
Chris is the current general manager of Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati.
Moreover, Cavan’s grandfather is Larry Sullivan, who served as the head coach at American side Villanova from 1991 to 2007.
Cavan Sullivan Relationship
There isn’t any information concerning him being in a relationship, as it appears he is fully focused on his career.
Cavan Sullivan Market Value And Net Worth
His market value has also not been defined by Transfermkt and his net worth is also unknown.
Sullivan’s Achievements
Cavan has won one notable trophy in his young career, the CONCACAF Under-15 Championship which he clinched with the United States in 2024.
Cavan Sullivan’s Career Stats
The 14-year-old has made 11 club appearances in his career, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in all competitions.
