History is being conjured up in the world of soccer.
Fourteen-year-old prodigy Cavan Sullivan has been named to the Philadelphia Union’s first-team roster for Wednesday’s game against the New England Revolution.
If he participates, he will be the youngest player in any major North American sport, which includes the NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL.
Cavan Sullivan holds up the No. 6 jersey AP
The record is currently held by Freddy Adu, who held the title in April 2004 at the age of 14 years, 306 days while playing for DC United.
On Wednesday, Sullivan will turn 14 years, 293 days old.
Some speculated Sullivan’s name was being called because players were competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but Union coach Jim Curtin said the midfielder was worthy of a place in the national team.
The youngster has scored goals in his last two games for Philadelphia’s reserve team, Union II, and has started a total of five games so far.
“He’ll be in the top 20 tomorrow. He deserves it,” Curtin said Tuesday, as reported by ESPN.
Jim Curtin believes youngster Cavan Sullivan deserves a spot on the first team. Kaan Kouto – USA TODAY Sports
“We are missing a few players, obviously. [Jack] McGlynn and [Nathan] Harriel will also be unavailable but if you look at the numbers alone Cavan are entitled to the No. 20 and will now get their opportunity.”
While Sullivan has performed well under the bright lights, the situation is no different when it comes to practice.
“There are still a couple of moments in training where he does something and you think, ‘Oh, you can’t teach that, it’s ingrained in the young lad and his talent is top notch,'” Curtin told the official MLS website.
Cavan Sullivan signs biggest homegrown player contract in MLS history USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Despite being just 14 years old, Sullivan is no stranger to breaking records.
According to ESPN reports, Sullivan signed the biggest contract in MLS history for a home-grown hero.
The prodigy will move to Manchester City when he turns 18.
On the day of the signing ceremony, reporters asked Sullivan about his future records.
“Obviously it would be great to be the first to set a record, but whether I break it or not isn’t really important to me,” Sullivan told ESPN.
“So everyone is on their own path. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish that matters.”
