14-Year-Old Soccer Phenomenon Signed By Philadelphia Union

CHESTER, PA — The Philadelphia Union have made a landmark deal by singing a local player who is just 14-year-old.

The team Thursday announced it has signed midfielder Cavan Sullivan through 2028. This signing, according to the team, is a record Major League Soccer

Sullivan, a Philadelphia native who lives in Norristown, joined the Philadelphia Union Academy at 10 years old.

He is now the youngest player in club history to be added to the first team roster, and the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in MLS history.

"Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14-years-old his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years," Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, said. "His advanced soccer IQ, paired with his ability to read plays, advance the ball, and score, show just how high his ceiling will be. We are incredibly pleased to have come to an agreement to have Cavan join the Union on his first professional contract and have no doubt on the impact he will make with the club."

Sullivan's brother, 20-year-old Quinn Sullivan, signed with the Union in 2021.

"I’ve been watching my home team, the Union, for as long as I remember and hoped that one day I’d get the chance to play for my city in front of my family, friends, and fans," Sullivan said. "Being able to not only play for the Union but to be able to play with my brother is a dream come true. I will give everything I have to this club and hope to help bring home some hardware. I’m thankful for the opportunity and hope to make Philadelphia proud."

Sullivan joined the Union Academy in 2020 and progressed through the Pro Player Pathway.

He has featured for Union Academy’s U15 MLS NEXT team, U17 MLS NEXT team, and Philadelphia Union II MLS NEXT Pro team, making a name for himself both with the Academy, and with United States Youth National Teams.

In the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup, Sullivan, who was just 13 years old at the time, helped the Union U15 squad reach the finals, beating academy powerhouses such as Valencia, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, with Sullivan scoring one minute into the match against Arsenal.

With his outstanding play, he was named to the tournament’s Best XI.

This year, Sullivan joined the U17 squad, where he contributed to the team winning their second-consecutive GA Cup championship.

Additionally, in 2024 Sullivan featured for Union II, where he’s appeared twice and added an assist in the game winning goal against New England Revolution II.

Last year, Sullivan led the U.S. to victory in the 2023 Concacaf Boy’s Under-15 Championship, marking the first time the US has ever won the tournament. The youngest player on the team, Sullivan’s four goals scored earned him the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.

Should Sullivan debut for the Union on or before July 29, he will become the youngest player to make his debut among the MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NWSL, as well as the youngest player to make his debut among the top five European soccer leagues.