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On a historic Wednesday night, July 17, 2024, Philadelphia Union Homegrown midfielder Cavan Sullivan etched his name into the annals of sports history by becoming the youngest player ever to debut for a North American major league sports team. At just 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan stepped onto the field, surpassing the previous record set by Freddy Adu, who debuted at 14 years and 306 days old for D.C. United on April 3, 2004.

Sullivan’s debut came in the 85th minute of the Philadelphia Union’s match against the New England Revolution. With Philadelphia already leading, Sullivan’s entrance added to the excitement of the game. The Union secured a 5-1 victory, highlighted by a goal from Cavan's older brother, Quinn Sullivan, making the night even more memorable for the Sullivan family and Philadelphia fans.

The debut of Cavan Sullivan has not only set a new record in Major League Soccer (MLS) but also across all major North American professional sports leagues. The Elias Sports Bureau, known for its comprehensive sports statistics, confirms Sullivan's achievement. Below is a list of the youngest debutants in each top North American professional sports league:

• MLS (per Elias Sports Bureau): Cavan Sullivan (14 years, 293 days)
• NWSL: Melanie Barcenas (15 years and 181 days)
• NBA (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau): Andrew Bynum (18 years, 6 days)
• NHL (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau): Patrick Marleau (18 years, 16 days)
• MLB (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau): David Clyde (18 years, 66 days)
• WNBA (per Elias Sports Bureau): Maria Stepanova (19 years, 108 days)
• NFL (since 1970, per Elias Sports Bureau): Amobi Okoye (20 years, 91 days)

Cavan Sullivan’s debut is part of a broader trend in MLS, where youth talents are breaking into the professional scene at unprecedented ages. Since the start of the 2023 MLS regular season, five of the top ten youngest players in league history have made their debuts, showcasing the growing emphasis on nurturing young talent in American soccer.

Here is a list of the top ten youngest debutants in MLS history:

1. Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union in 2024): 14 years, 293 days
2. Freddy Adu (D.C. United in 2004): 14 years, 306 days
3. Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls in 2023): 15 years, 190 days
4. Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2016): 15 years, 257 days
5. Axel Kei (Real Salt Lake in 2023): 15 years, 288 days
6. Matai Akinmboni (D.C. United in 2022): 15 years, 328 days
7. Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC in 2021): 15 years, 351 days
8. Erik Duenas (LAFC in 2020): 15 years, 362 days
9. Stiven Jimenez (FC Cincinnati in 2023): 15 years, 362 days
10. Nimfasha Berchimas (Charlotte FC in 2024): 16 years, 2 days

Cavan Sullivan’s extraordinary debut has garnered significant attention and has been immortalized by Topps, a major player in the sports memorabilia market. The moment was captured on a Topps Now base card and some game-used ball relics, allowing fans to own a piece of this historic event.

Sullivan’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication and talent. Growing up in Philadelphia, he honed his skills through the Union’s academy system, demonstrating exceptional promise from a young age. His debut not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the effectiveness of the Homegrown Player model in MLS, which aims to develop local talent through club academies.

Cavan’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and the support of his family and coaches. His older brother, Quinn Sullivan, has also been an influential figure, both on and off the field. The brothers' dynamic on the field, with Quinn scoring in the same game that marked Cavan’s debut, underscores the unique bond they share and the promising future that lies ahead for both.

As Cavan Sullivan continues his journey in professional soccer, his debut serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving greatness. The world will be watching closely as this young prodigy continues to develop and make his mark on the sport.