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While the USMNT boasted a mostly young group at the 2026 World Cup, the bulk of their current core will be around the 29-32 age range. Regardless, there's bound to be some fresh blood, and one name has already caught the attention of many U.S. men's national team fans. Although the search for a future star to lead the USMNT at several World Cups is always a fun topic, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan has made his fair share of headlines. Although names like Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman will remain the centerpieces of the USMNT, many hope Sullivan can emerge as the leader and star of future World Cups.
Sullivan joined the Philadelphia Union's top squad as the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team deal in MLS history, doing so at the age of 15. He was the CONCACAF U15 Golden Ball Winner, and his contract runs through 2028. A previous video of Sullivan posted by USMNT Only, part of the Men In Blazers team coverage, has made the rounds again, and he's viewed as a top potential name for the country's future national team competitions.
Sullivan put his quick decision-making and stellar shooting on display in the highlights, while he's also made the types of passes soccer fans drool over.
Sullivan's deal with the Union also has a clause that sets him to transfer to Manchester City when he turns 18, as he can't play in England until he's that age. Hypothetically, he could play for another European club on loan prior to his Manchester City tenure.
The 16-year-old prospect broke Freddy Adu's record as the youngest player to appear in a league match for a professional team in the United States by 13 days, doing so when he was 14 years and 293 days old. Sullivan went on to play in the MLS Next All-Star Game and was named the MVP with a goal and an assist. His most recent season with the Union has thus far featured six starts, one goal, and two assists. He's tallied 14 total shots and seven on goal.
In Sullivan's early international career at the youth level, he led the U15 national team to victory at the 2023 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The USMNT is already counting on a 16-year-old to lead the next generation into a World Cup
Continue reading...
Sullivan joined the Philadelphia Union's top squad as the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team deal in MLS history, doing so at the age of 15. He was the CONCACAF U15 Golden Ball Winner, and his contract runs through 2028. A previous video of Sullivan posted by USMNT Only, part of the Men In Blazers team coverage, has made the rounds again, and he's viewed as a top potential name for the country's future national team competitions.
15-year-old and Manchester City talent Cavan Sullivan is SPECIAL
cavan.sullivan6/TikTok pic.twitter.com/ZlIZ26Ick1
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 11, 2025
Sullivan put his quick decision-making and stellar shooting on display in the highlights, while he's also made the types of passes soccer fans drool over.
Cavan Sullivan's future outlook and USMNT prospects
Sullivan's deal with the Union also has a clause that sets him to transfer to Manchester City when he turns 18, as he can't play in England until he's that age. Hypothetically, he could play for another European club on loan prior to his Manchester City tenure.
The 16-year-old prospect broke Freddy Adu's record as the youngest player to appear in a league match for a professional team in the United States by 13 days, doing so when he was 14 years and 293 days old. Sullivan went on to play in the MLS Next All-Star Game and was named the MVP with a goal and an assist. His most recent season with the Union has thus far featured six starts, one goal, and two assists. He's tallied 14 total shots and seven on goal.
In Sullivan's early international career at the youth level, he led the U15 national team to victory at the 2023 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The USMNT is already counting on a 16-year-old to lead the next generation into a World Cup
Continue reading...
