Cavan Sullivan

2024–2025: Debut and development

On March 24, 2024, Sullivan made his professional debut, coming on in the 56th minute in an MLS Next Pro match for Philadelphia Union II. Sullivan provided an assist in the 86th minute in a 2–1 victory for Philadelphia. On May 9, 2024, he signed a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union until 2028, making him the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in Major League Soccer history. The deal was the most expensive homegrown deal in MLS history. Sullivan and his family confirmed to ESPN that the contract has a clause that calls for a transfer to Premier League club Manchester City once he turns 18. Sullivan made his Major League Soccer debut for the Philadelphia Union on July 17, 2024. At 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan became the youngest player to appear in a league match for a major professional sports league in the United States and Canada, breaking Freddy Adu's record set in 2004 by 13 days. He mostly played for the Philadelphia Union II reserve team to develop in the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, finishing with eight goal contributions. On July 23, he played for the MLS Next East team in the MLS Next All-Star Game and was named the most valuable player for his goal and assist in the East's 4–2 victory. He returned to the Union II in the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, gaining 11 goal contributions in Next Pro before returning to the first team as a substitute option.

2026: Breakthrough season

On February…

Sullivan is eligible to represent Germany, the United States, and Bangladesh. Sullivan has represented the United States internationally at youth level. He helped the United States boys' national under-15 soccer team win the 2023 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship.

Sullivan mainly operates as a midfielder. He is left-footed. He is known for his vision.

Cavan was born on September 28, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is of German-Bangladeshi descent through his mother. As a youth player, Sullivan joined the youth academy of American side Philadelphia Union in 2020. He helped the club win the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup.