# 16-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan Makes MLS History

> Young Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, 16, becomes MLS’s youngest debutant with explosive stats and chaotic playstyle.
- Title: 16-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan Makes MLS History · the Guardian
- Summary: Young Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, 16, becomes MLS’s youngest debutant with explosive stats and chaotic playstyle. Cavan Sullivan, 16…
- Keywords: cavan sullivan, philadelphia union, manchester city, mls, soccer, youth football, futim, sports, 16-Year-Old, Cavan, Sullivan, Makes
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/08/cavan-sullivan-analyisis-mls-philadelphia-union
- Author: John Muller
- Published: 2026-09-08T09:00:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cavan sullivan, philadelphia union, manchester city, mls, soccer, youth football, futim, sports
## Sullivan’s Early Talent
Cavan Sullivan’s talent has been a talking point for years.
## U-15 Video Highlight
A U-15 video shows Sullivan flicking a scorpion kick for a teammate.
## Man City Signing
Sullivan signed with Manchester City before playing a single minute professionally.
## MLS Debut Record
Sullivan became MLS’s youngest debutant at age 14.
## Team Trust
Sullivan gets 10.3% of his team’s touches, the most of any teenage MLS winger.
## Highlight Stats
Sullivan has four goals and three assists in MLS this season.
## Futi Ratings
Sullivan ranks second among MLS teenagers in futi player ratings.
## Messi Comparison
Sullivan modeled his game after Lionel Messi but plays more like Alexis Sánchez.
## Dribbling Style
Sullivan uses feints, stepovers, and changes of direction to beat defenders.
## Team Awareness
Sullivan constantly looks for teammates and creates dangerous plays.
## Turnover Rate
Sullivan has a 65% pass completion rate, among the lowest in MLS.
## Size Challenge
Sullivan’s 5ft 7in height is rare in the Premier League.
## Key takeaway

Cavan Sullivan, 16, joined Manchester City and became MLS’s youngest debutant with four goals and three assists in his first season.