Freddy Adu congratulates Cavan Sullivan for breaking his MLS record

The Union phenom broke a record that had stood for 20 years

Freddy Adu has congratulated Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan for breaking his record as the youngest player in MLS history.

Sullivan entered Wednesday’s game against the New England Revolution late in the second half, setting the new record at age 14 years and 293 days.

Adu was 13 days older than Sullivan when he set the record in 2004, making his debut as a much-hyped prospect for D.C. United.

Just minutes after Sullivan took the field at Subaru Park in the Union’s 5-1 win, Adu posted a message on X.

“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” Adu said. “That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.”

In the post-game press conference on Wednesday, Sullivan said he had already seen the message from the former U.S. men’s national team forward.

“I already re-posted it on my Instagram,” Sullivan said. “It was pretty cool to have some words from someone like him. He really paved the way for young guys like me. I only have respect for him.”

In May, Sullivan signed the most lucrative Homegrown Player deal MLS has ever seen. The deal includes a clause that will see him join Manchester City in 2028 when he turns 18.

[lawrence-related id=78249,17974,78170]