Talent calendar
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On July 17, 2024, Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history at the age of 14 in Philadelphia Union’s 5-1 win against New England Revolution. In doing so, he broke the record set by Freddy Adu in 2004 at 14 years, ten months and one day in 2004. The attacking midfielder has a great career ahead of him.
“That day meant everything to me,” said 16-year-old Sullivan in an interview with Transfermarkt.us. “It felt like the true beginning of everything I had wanted to achieve since the moment I touched a soccer ball for the first time. I was so proud that I can hardly put it into words. Having my family and friends there in my hometown made it even more emotional. And the moment that brought it all together was my brother Quinn’s goal – his goal secured the win and allowed me to come on as a substitute. Sharing that with him made the day unforgettable.”
Then-Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin could hardly have chosen a better time for Sullivan’s first appearance, as shortly before his brother Quinn Sullivan scored the 5-1. “He helped me a lot to settle in when I joined the team. His guidance made my transition to professional football a lot easier, and I learned how to develop stronger habits, balance school and sports, and do many other important things. He is currently injured, but I look forward to the day we are back on the field together,” Sullivan said of his brother’s importance.
Adu congratulates Sullivan on his debut – could play for Germany
Adu also noticed Sullivan’s debut in the MLS. “Congratulations to Cavan Sullivan on his record-breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the boy did it. Well done and good luck my friend,” the 36-year-old wrote on In 2021, he ended a career in which he had played for 13 clubs in nine countries.
There’s always a risk when young players get attention early on, but Sullivan’s family background should make him well-equipped for a professional career. He is the youngest of four children, his brother plays on the same team and his father Brendan Sullivan had a decent career in the A-League and USL Championship. His cousin Chris Albright is also a former US international and general manager at MLS club FC Cincinnati. Sullivan has German roots as his mother is the daughter of the famous German scientist and former University of Pennsylvania professor Klaus Krippendorff, who died in 2022 at the age of 90.
Another aspect that will help him is that US Soccer is in much better shape today than it was when Adu made his debut. At that time, people were looking for the American equivalent of Pelé, a savior who could catapult football into a new dimension. US idols like Christian Pulisic or stars in the MLS like Lionel Messi at Inter Miami have taken the talents out of the spotlight so that they can develop in peace.
Sullivan before moving to Man City
Despite the big stars in the MLS, Sullivan is making headlines. In the MLS’s latest market value update, he received his first valuation at 3.5 million euros, making him one of the most valuable players of the 2009 class. Sullivan confirms rumors of a move to Manchester City. “Well, it’s true: as soon as I turn 18 I will be moving to Manchester City. They have been great to me and I already feel very committed to the club. I’m looking forward to the future, but for now my priority is to establish myself as one of the best players in MLS.” According to media reports, the Citizens will pay 4.3 million euros, which would make him the club’s fourth most expensive departure. The English have not yet commented on the possible transfer.
“I am a dynamic offensive player who wants to change the game,” said Sullivan when asked about his strengths. “I am a player without fear.” In the USA, Sullivan is compared to Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, but also to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and FC Barcelona’s Pedri. Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell has another comparison. “He reminds me a little of how Mario Götze played between 2012 and 2014,” he tells Transfermarkt.us.
Sullivan doesn’t turn 18 until September 2027 and has set some ambitious goals with Philadelphia Union ahead of his move to the Premier League. “I just go to training every day and do my best to become a better person and player. My goal is to become an important player at Philadelphia Union, score my first MLS goal and have fun doing it. I want to be called up to the USA senior national team squad. That’s my goal and I won’t deviate from that.” At the U17 World Cup, Sullivan scored two goals and prepared two more in four games.
Every day from December 1st to 24th, Transfermarkt will present a talent from the 2008 or 2009 vintage from a different country. Sponsors, data scouts and users act as experts and report interesting facts about 24 young players in our talent calendar who you should keep a close eye on in the future. For example with the TM Watchlist.