Cavan Sullivan, who is expected to join Manchester City at 18, entered as an 85th-minute substitute during the Philadelphia Union’s 5-1 victory over New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.
At 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan broke Freddy Adu’s record of 14 years and 306 days as the youngest player in MLS history when Adu played for DC United in 2004. Sullivan also became the youngest North American player in a major team sport’s top tier.
During the match, Sullivan’s older brother Quinn, 20, scored a goal for Union. Reflecting on his brother’s goal, Sullivan described the moment as chaotic and electrifying, noting the stadium’s electric atmosphere.
“This is just the beginning,” Sullivan remarked. “I’m thrilled to have achieved this milestone, but it’s just the first step. What matters most is how you finish, not where you start.”
Freddy Adu, now 35, congratulated Sullivan on breaking his record, calling it a significant achievement.
In May, Sullivan signed with Philadelphia in the largest homegrown player deal in MLS history, citing the collaboration between Union and City Group as a deciding factor due to his admiration for Manchester City.
Union manager Jim Curtin praised Sullivan as a generational talent with unlimited potential, capable of transforming games single-handedly.
The youngest male player to debut in the English Premier League remains Ethan Nwaneri, who made his Arsenal debut at 15 years and 181 days in 2022.