# Cavan Sullivan Wins MLS 22 Under 22

> 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest MLS 22 Under 22 player.
- Title: Cavan Sullivan Wins MLS 22 Under 22 · SI | Shortify
- Summary: 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest MLS 22 Under 22 player. 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan earns MLS 22 Under 22 top spot, youngest player ever to win…
- Keywords: cavan sullivan, mls, usmnt, philadelphia union, 22 under 22, youngest player, mls player of the month, sports, Cavan, Sullivan, Wins, Under
- Source: SI — https://si.com/soccer/usmnt-cavan-sullivan-history-major-mls-award
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cavan sullivan, mls, usmnt, philadelphia union, 22 under 22, youngest player, mls player of the month, sports
## Cavan Sullivan Wins MLS 22 Under 22
Cavan Sullivan earns top spot on Major League Soccer’s annual 22 Under 22 list.
## Sullivan Becomes Youngest Player Ever
At 17 years and 22 days old, Sullivan becomes the youngest player ever to earn the No. 1 ranking.
## Sullivan’s MLS Breakout Season
Racking up seven goals and 13 assists in just 20 starts, he established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers.
## USMNT Call-Up
Sullivan earned his first call-up to manager Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. men’s national team for four friendlies this fall.
## Sullivan Scores in USMNT Debut
He became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history with a strike in a 3-0 win against Mexico.
## Sullivan’s MLS Player of the Month
He was named MLS Player of the Month for September, beating out Lionel Messi as youngest player to earn the honor.
## Sullivan Breaks Teen Record
He broke the record for most goal contributions by a teenager in a single MLS season with 21.
## Sullivan Outshines Alphonso Davies
Sullivan surpasses Alphonso Davies, who became youngest player to win top spot in 2018 at 17 years and 355 days.
## Second Union Player to Win
Sullivan becomes second Union player to win the award, following Brenden Aaronson in 2020.
## Sullivan’s MLS Debut
Sullivan made his MLS debut in 2024, beating out Freddy Adu as youngest debutant at 14 years, 293 days.
## Sullivan’s Impact Under Richter
Under interim manager Ryan Richter, Sullivan became a consistent starter in Union’s 15-game undefeated streak.
## USMNT Talents Rank High
Seven USMNT-capped players made the MLS 22 Under 22 list, including Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti.
## Other USMNT Call-Ups
Orlando City’s Justin Ellis and New England Revolution’s Peyton Miller also ranked high on the list.
## MLS 22 Under 22 Full List
The list includes 22 players, with Sullivan ranked first and Julian Hall second.
## Key takeaway

17-year-old Cavan Sullivan earns MLS 22 Under 22 top spot, youngest player ever to win the award.