Da’vian Kimbrough made a historic pro debut for the Sacramento Republic on Sunday, becoming the youngest professional soccer player to play in a competitive match in the United States.
At age 13 years, 7 months, and 13 days, Kimbrough came on as an 87th-minute substitution in the Republic’s 2-0 win over the Las Vegas Lights in a USL Championship match.
In case you didn’t want to do the math, that means Kimbrough was born in 2010.
Kimbrough broke the record previously held by Máximo Carizzo, who debuted for New York City FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro last year at age 14 years, 4 months, and 26 days.
In August, Kimbrough signed for the Republic out of the club’s academy, making him the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history.
Historic. Da’vian Kimbrough makes his professional debut at 13 years, 7 months, 13 days with his hometown club. pic.twitter.com/SNjsxQPlA5
— x – Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) October 2, 2023
Republic coach Mark Briggs said after the game that even in his brief cameo, Kimbrough showed some glimpses of why he is so highly rated.
“We’ve got to continue to drive our local talent, continue to develop our local talent, and Da’vian is obviously a special one that we’re fortunate to have for a long time,” Briggs said. “And I think you saw in glimpses today the ability the kid has. He’s a special talent and we look forward to developing him.”
Kimbrough admitted that he was feeling some nerves before his history-making appearance, but as soon as he was on the field he felt much more at ease.
“I was a bit nervous at first before I got subbed on,” he said. “But once I got on the field, at the end of the day it’s just soccer. So I was just doing what I love.”
He added: “My main goal when I got in was to touch the ball a little bit, pass, move. Hopefully next time I can score.”
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