Tag: Da’vian Kimbrough

Kimbrough, 13, makes historic debut for Sacramento Republic

At 13 years, 7 months, and 13 days, Kimbrough entered Sunday’s game against Las Vegas

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.

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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Kimbrough, 13, makes American soccer history after signing with Sacramento

Da’vian Kimbrough is a name to remember

The youth movement in U.S. soccer is not slowing down.

Da’vian Kimbrough, aged 13 years, 5 months and 13 days, signed with Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship on Tuesday, making him the youngest person to agree to a professional contract in this country’s soccer history.

The previous record holder is believed to be Maximo Carrizo, who signed a professional deal with NYCFC on his 14th birthday in 2022. It is believed that Kimbrough is the youngest player to sign a contract in any major U.S. team sport.

“Da’vian’s journey with Republic FC is just beginning. He is a remarkable talent who has committed to his dream of becoming an elite player, from competing with players in older age groups and thriving at top competitions, to stepping on to the first team training grounds,” Sacramento general manager Todd Dunivant said in a press release. “We are honored that the Kimbrough family and Da’vian have chosen Republic FC to support his professional pathway, and we look forward to taking the next steps together.”

According to the club, Kimbrough has trained with the first team in the past, and will be placed on a “mixed training regimen” that will see him work with both the Republic senior squad as well as academy teams. Sacramento has also crafted a plan with an education partner to allow Kimbrough to continue with school while he takes these first steps as a professional player.

Kimbrough has yet to appear for a U.S. youth national team, though he did participate in a U.S. Soccer youth national team identification camp in October 2022. The clock may be ticking already, as Kimbrough is eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico.

Per Sacramento, Kimbrough boosted his profile at the Bassevelde U13 Cup, a notable Belgian youth event featuring Under-13 sides from traditional European powers like Benfica and Juventus. Kimbrough, playing as a guest for the New York Red Bulls, ended up as the tournament’s MVP after scoring six goals.

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