If you've been following American soccer lately, you've definitely heard the name. Cavan Sullivan is basically the talk of every locker room and scout’s notebook from Philly to Manchester. People keep asking, how old is Cavan Sullivan, mostly because it's hard to believe what he's doing at his age.
He’s currently 16 years old.
Born on September 28, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sullivan isn't just "young for a pro"—he’s record-breakingly young. We’re talking about a kid who was literally 14 years and 293 days old when he stepped onto a Major League Soccer pitch for his debut against the New England Revolution in July 2024. That move officially erased Freddy Adu’s long-standing record from 2004. Honestly, most 14-year-olds are worried about algebra tests and JV tryouts, not subbing into a professional match with thousands of screaming fans.
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Why Everyone Is Obsessed with Cavan Sullivan’s Age
It’s not just about the number on a birth certificate. It’s the context. The soccer world is kind of obsessed with finding the "next big thing," and Sullivan fits the bill so perfectly it’s almost scary. He signed the largest Homegrown contract in MLS history with the Philadelphia Union, but there’s a massive European shadow looming over his career.
Manchester City—yeah, that Manchester City—has already locked him down. Because of FIFA regulations and labor laws, he can't actually move to the Premier League until he turns 18. That means he’s got a clear runway in the U.S. until September 2027.
Right now, in early 2026, he’s at a fascinating crossroads. He’s 16, he’s got 14 MLS appearances under his belt, and he’s coming off a massive 2025 where he spent a lot of time with Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro. In that developmental league, he was actually dominant, racking up 6 goals and 5 assists in just 14 matches. But the jump to the senior team is different. It’s physical. It’s fast.
Breaking Down the Milestone Timeline
To really get the scale of his rise, you have to look at how fast this has all happened.
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- Age 13: He was already embarrassing world-class academies. In the 2023 Generation adidas Cup, he helped the Union U15s beat Real Madrid and Arsenal. He scored one minute into the game against Arsenal.
- Age 14: Signed his pro deal in May 2024. Debuted in July. Became the youngest athlete to ever appear in any major North American professional team sport.
- Age 15: Spent most of 2025 alternating between the first team and Union II. He also led the U.S. U17s in the World Cup, even scoring a Panenka penalty against Tajikistan.
- Age 16 (Now): He’s entering the 2026 season with one goal: becoming a regular starter.
The USMNT and the 2026 World Cup Dream
Since we’re currently in 2026, the big question isn't just about his age—it’s about whether he can make the World Cup roster. The tournament is being hosted on home soil this summer. Sullivan hasn't been shy about his goals. He recently told CBS Sports that he’s pushing for a senior USMNT call-up.
Is it realistic? Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of talent to choose from, and Sullivan is still looking for his first senior goal contribution in MLS. Most experts think a World Cup roster spot is a "far dream," as Sullivan himself put it. But if he has a "flying start" to the 2026 season, who knows? Soccer is weird like that.
Living in the Shadow of Freddy Adu
You can’t talk about how old Cavan Sullivan is without mentioning Freddy Adu. For years, Adu was the cautionary tale of American soccer. He was the 14-year-old savior who never quite reached the heights everyone expected.
Sullivan seems different, though. He’s got a massive support system. His older brother, Quinn Sullivan, is a regular for the Union, and their dad, Brendan, played professionally too. There’s a level of "pro-readiness" in the Sullivan household that Adu didn't necessarily have. Plus, the path to Manchester City is already paved. He isn't guessing where he'll be in two years; he's just waiting for his 18th birthday to catch the flight.
What’s Next for the 16-Year-Old?
The 2026 MLS season is arguably the most important year of his life so far. He needs to transition from "talented kid" to "reliable contributor."
He’s been training with Manchester City’s academy during the off-season to get a taste of the level over there. His market value is already sitting around €3.5 million, which is wild for a teenager who hasn't even finished high school yet. He’s being compared to players like Dominik Szoboszlai because of how he carries the ball through the midfield. He’s left-footed, technical, and frankly, he plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
If you’re watching the Union this year, keep an eye on the kid wearing number 6. He’s 16, he’s fast, and he’s probably going to be the face of American soccer for the next decade.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts:
- Watch the Minutes: Don't just look for goals; watch how many minutes Jim Curtin gives him in high-pressure MLS games this spring.
- Physical Growth: At 16, he’s still filling out. His ability to handle the physicality of grown men in the midfield will dictate his 2026 success.
- International Windows: Watch the USMNT U20 and U23 rosters. If he’s playing "up" an age group and dominating, the senior team conversation becomes much louder.
- The September 2027 Date: Mark your calendars. That is when the Manchester City move finally becomes official.