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The 10 youngest players in MLS history
Cameron Smith
- 9 Oct 2025 19:07 BST
- 4 min read
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Cavan Sullivan is the youngest ever player in Major League Soccer history after making his debut in the competition at the age of just 14 years, 9 months and 20 days.
The American wonderkid, who will join Manchester City when he turns 18, made his first MLS appearance for Philadelphia Union against New England Revolution in July 2024 and he broke Freddy Adu’s record as the youngest MLS player in history in the process.
Adu was also 14 years old when he made his MLS debut for DC United and many thought his record would never be beaten. However, Sullivan usurped his compatriot after excelling in Philadelphia Union’s youth ranks.
By comparison, Adu’s first MLS appearance came against San Jose Earthquakes in April 2004. He was exactly 14 years, 10 months and 1 day old.
Current ETV
Julian Hall
F (C)
New York RB
Julian Hall
F (C)
New York RB
ETV Range
€1.7M - €2.6M
The third-youngest MLS player of all time is Julian Hall, who made his league debut for New York Red Bulls at the age of just 15 years, 6 months and 7 days against Chicago Fire in October 2023.
Canada legend Alphonso Davies is in fourth place after featuring in the MLS for the first time aged 15 years, 8 months and 15 days. He replaced Nicolas Mezquida in the 77th minute of Vancouver Whitecaps’ 2-2 draw versus Orlando City in July 2016.
Axel Kei is the fifth-youngest MLS player ever. He was only 15 years, 9 months and 15 days old when he played for Real Salt Lake against LA Galaxy in October 2023.
Matai Akinmboni made his MLS debut for DC United against Real Salt Lake City in September 2022 and he was just 15 years, 10 months and 25 days old at the time. He is sixth on this list.
The seventh-youngest player in MLS history is Obed Vargas, who first appeared in the competition for Seattle Sounders at 15 years, 11 months and 18 days old. He played 77 minutes during a 1-0 win over Austin FC in July 2021.
Erik Duenas is the eighth-youngest MLS player ever, after playing for LAFC aged 15 years, 11 months and 27 days in October 2020, while Stiven Jimenez features in ninth place. He made his MLS debut for Cincinnati aged 15 years, 11 months and 29 days during a 3-0 win over Toronto in 2023.
Nimfasha Berchimas completes the top 10 after making his first MLS appearance for Charlotte FC versus New York City in February 2024. He was 16 years and 3 days old.
The 10 youngest players in MLS history
| Player | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cavan Sullivan | Philadelphia Union | 14y 9m 20d |
| 2. Freddy Adu | DC United | 14y 10m 1d |
| 3. Julian Hall | New York Red Bulls | 15y 6m 7d |
| 4. Alphonso Davies | Vancouver Whitecaps | 15y 8m 15d |
| 5. Axel Kei | Real Salt Lake | 15y 9m 15d |
| 6. Matai Akinmboni | DC United | 15y 10m 25d |
| 7. Obed Vargas | Seattle Sounders | 15y 11m 18d |
| 8. Erik Duenas | LAFC | 15y 11m 27d |
| 9. Stiven Jimenez | Cincinnati | 15y 11m 29d |
| 10. Nimfasha Berchimas | Charlotte | 16y 3d |
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