This week, Cavan Sullivan made MLS history by making his debut for Philadelphia Union aged just 14 years and 293 days. When he turns 18, he’s off to Manchester City. Here, we touch base with the young American to get his take on the course he’s setting.
“Remember the name: Wayne Rooney!” That immortal phrase was uttered by Clive Tyldseley after the future England captain announced himself to the world by curling a long-range effort in off the bar to end Arsenal’s unbeaten record back in 2002. At that time Rooney was 16. Now we’re going to give you another name to remember: Cavan Sullivan. At just 14 years old, Sullivan recently made his debut in Major League Soccer, taking to the pitch for Philadelphia Union as an 85th-minute substitute in a 5-1 win over New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.
14. I was doing my paper round and getting to grips with puberty and the many nuances of girls when I was 14.
Of course, Sullivan had to take the record from someone, and that someone was Freddy Adu, who set the previous mark at 14-306 when he debuted for DC United in 2004. Adu’s is not necessarily a household name, so what sets Sullivan apart? Why is his a name that will likely engrain itself into the public’s consciousness in the coming years? Well first up, as part of the contract he signed with The Union (the largest the league has ever seen for a 'homegrown' player, by the way), he’ll reportedly be moving to Manchester City when he turns 18. A glowing endorsement right there if one were needed.
Look deeper though, and you’ll find out that Sullivan is considered one of the best American players of his generation. In an Under-15 match last April between the US and England, he scored both of his team’s goals in a 2-2 draw that the Americans won in a penalty shootout (where’s Southgate when you need him?). Further to that, he was named the best player at the Concacaf Under-15 championships, where he finished with a pair of assists in a 4-2 victory over Mexico in the final.
His ability is clear for all to see, but it’s underpinned by a grounded mentality. “I’d say work ethic,” he answers in a calm and confident manner that belies his age when we caught up with him on the New York stop of our ‘On A Plate’ Creative Soccer Culture Tour and asked him what sets him apart from the rest. “A lot of people have that, a lot of people don’t. I think that’s the main one for me. Also, who I surround myself with. I know I wouldn’t be here without my family and I know how important they are for me to keep growing and levelling up. So being aware of that, remaining hungry and working hard, that’s what sets me apart. All I want is to be the best.”
His hair is currently bleach blond à la Gazza and, more recently, Phil Foden, and you can't help but think that there's worse players to follow in the footsteps of – in his play, at least. His, though, is a pure outlook, fresh with positivity at the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting journey. And it was our pleasure spending a bit of time with the midfielder ahead of his MLS debut, getting to know the personality behind the player before his inevitable rise to ultra stardom. Below you can read our full interview, as we chatted about his start in professional football, how important his family are, and his ambitions for the future, as well touching on his style, which, at 14, is just ridiculously good. Took me at least another 10 years to be able to put together a passable fit.
The journey you’re on right now, can you describe what it’s like to be in your shoes?
Everything right now is a little hectic but it’s positive. I’m at the start of my career and the start of my journey and I can imagine for a lot of people on the outside looking in it might seem crazy and a little bit much, but for me and my family, it’s all pretty normal now. Being at home and having them by my side while we go on this journey, that’s something that I always dreamed would happen. It feels good.
There’s been a lot of positive noise around you all over the world. Are there any moments that feel surreal? It’s like being in FIFA or a movie when your name starts to travel around the planet…
Yeah. It was always my dream to be a professional player. Sometimes you do have to zoom out in a way. Taking it all in but also having that birds eye view of your life and keeping things relative is so important. It’s surreal for my dream to become the reality but as the weeks go by, it’s become normal for me.
Have you had any moments when you’ve had to pinch yourself?
I think there’s been times when I’ve combined with my brother Quinn in training, that’s something special. He’s six years older than me and I never thought moments like that would happen in a professional environment. I think of all those two v twos we had with my other brothers and it feels like it’s starting to pay off in an elite environment. Simple goals in the manner of them on the pitch but huge for me emotionally.
As you break into the top level of the game, it’s so important to have the right people around you. Do your family keep you grounded?
My family will always keep me in check. Even after all the contracts and anything that comes my way, I’m not going to change, they’re not going to change. I also think that my mindset is a strong quality for me. I’m a humble person. I’m confident in my ability but I also know that I have a lot of work to do. I’m just at the beginning right now. There’s a lot of work ahead and I’m conscious of that.
“My family will always keep me in check. My mindset is a strong quality for me. I’m a humble person, confident in my ability, but I also know that I have a lot of work to do.”
You carry yourself and speak very well. How would you describe your outlook on life and your interests?
I like music. My music taste varies. I like fashion. I’d say not everything is designer but I enjoy putting a fit together. Those two things are really big for me. I like rap, I like a little bit of country - that comes from my brothers’ influence. They’re into that. I’m always listening to that because they’re playing it. I kinda like folk too - I like music that is chill. I find it helps me relax.
You said about staying humble. While you’re finding your way into the starting 11, you’re still at school…how do you find that balance?
I go to a great school which is part of the academy. They adapt to my schedule, which is pretty amazing. My brother Quinn, he went through the same process so I’m so lucky to have that role model and he’s been helping guide me through finding that balance. Managing your schedule between school and soccer is a challenge but I know it’s so important. A social life too, you know, you need that. You need your friends to hang out with and to take your mind off of the hard work at times. If ever you’re struggling, they can pull you through.
I guess, in my family, school comes first because we’re conscious that soccer could go away one day. So being prepared for that, having a back up plan, it’s so important.
You mentioned Quinn as a role model. Who are your mentors?
My dad is as well. He’s taught me everything I know. He’s my number one fan and my number one critique so I value his impact on what I’m doing and where I can go.
And in terms of your style, where do you take inspiration?
I look at what’s happening in streetwear. I have varying tastes but I like things baggy, I wear a lot of jorts – it all comes down to how I’m feeling on a day. I think I show my mood in what I’m wearing. Sometimes I’ll go to the mall and I start to think about how I can match things together. I’d say I have my own wave that I’m on. I like to set myself apart by being me.
Other players that are out there across the planet, who gets that balance right for you? Who plays well but shows their creative side well at the same time?
Always Messi. He’s the number one at everything for me. Non-soccer I think Anthony Edwards. He’s an interesting guy. He’s fun, he’s honest. He’s fun to watch. I have a lot of time for that. I like watching interviews when people show their real personality. I feel like I’m getting there – that’s what I want to do anyway. I don’t want to be seen as esoteric. I hope to be an outsider in the best way. I embrace being unique. I don’t see it as a thing to go out there to the world and say, “I’m an outsider”. I just like being me.
You’re realising and experiencing your dreams. How do you reset your ambitions? The World Cup for example…
I never really thought about the 2026 World Cup. Even now, it’s a stretch. However, I signed my first contract and that was a dream coming true. I made my debut and that was awesome for myself and the city of Philadelphia. 2026 World Cup? I want to be at that.
Photography by Pete Martin.
Cavan Sullivan wears adidas F50 boots, which you can pick up at prodirectsport.com/soccer
