Most 14-year-olds are preparing for their first year of high school right now. Perhaps they're completing — or starting — their summer reading, or out shopping for a new set of clothes.
Not Cavan Sullivan, though. The soccer phenom just made his MLS debut with the Philadelphia Union, and he's anything but an average teenager.
Sullivan has been on the soccer world's radar for several years, having join the Union's academy in 2020. He was recently called up to the senior squad in Philadelphia and made his debut in Wednesday's 5-1 win against the New England Revolution.
With his substitution in the second half, Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history — and in the history of the top North American professional sports leagues, including the NWSL, NBA, WNBA, NFL and NHL.
The phenom already inked a long-term deal with the Union, with a built-in plan to send him to Premier League club Manchester City. Here's all you need to know on the 14-year-old soccer star.
Who is Cavan Sullivan?
Sullivan is a 14-year-old soccer player for the Philadelphia Union. He was born on Sept. 28, 2009, and is set to turn 15 this year.
Born and raised in northern Philadelphia, Sullivan grew up in a soccer household. His older brother Quinn Sullivan plays for the Union's senior team, so the two brothers can share pitch after Cavan's promotion from the second team.
Sullivan's parents, Brendan and Heike, both played soccer at the University of Pennsylvania. His grandfather Larry played at Temple and coached at Villanova.
Sullivan projects to be the best in his family. The teenager joined the Philadelphia Union's academy in 2020, and Union head coach Jim Curtain said he "has the ability and talent to become, I'll just say, a household name."
Taylor Twellman, former U.S. men's national soccer player and current analyst, said Manchester City scouts called Sullivan "the best 14-year-old in the world." Twellman agreed with their sentiment.
Cavan Sullivan MLS debut
Sullivan made his debut for the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, July 17, against the New England Revolution. He becomes the youngest player to play in league history at 14 years, 293 days old.
Welcome to the show, Cavan Sullivan. ✨
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024
The 14-year-old becomes the youngest player to debut in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/qbgjh4QRns
His debut breaks Freddy Adu's record, set in 2004, by 13 days.
Cavan Sullivan has entered the match in the 85’ and has officially become the youngest player to make his regular-season debut among the top North American professional sports leagues at 14 years, 293 days old.#DOOP pic.twitter.com/gNx0RqKCsW
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 18, 2024
MORE: Cavan Sullivan breaks MLS record in debut
Cavan Sullivan contract
The Philadelphia Union signed Sullivan to a record-breaking contract earlier this year. The 14-year-old became the fifth youngest player to ink a deal with an MLS club and will earn the most money of any youngster.
Adu's contract at 14 years old was about $500,000 in total, but Sullivan's record deal is reportedly slightly more than that. Sullivan is expected to remain in the United States until he is 18, when he will transfer to Manchester City in the Premier League, as stipulated in his contract.
While the United States have developed strong talent in recent years, the best soccer is generally played across the pond. The Premier League in England is considered one of the top leagues in the world, and Sullivan will be headed there after his 18th birthday.
Sullivan has a German passport, which allows him to play for any European club at the age of 16 due to child labor laws, but he can't play in England until he's 18 due to Brexit.
MORE: When is Cavan Sullivan moving to Manchester City?
Cavan Sullivan high school
Although Sullivan isn't the average 14-year-old, he's 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 pro at such a young age. There's a flexible schedule that allows classes to be built around training and games.
"The academy’s impact on Cavan’s development goes without saying," his mother Heike said. "He's been there since he was a baby and Quinn since he was 12. Obviously, we are a soccer family and Dad does a lot of coaching which is always a contributor, but I think the academy has been great for Cavan. He’s always had the opportunity to play up, even two ages up when appropriate and it's helped him."
