MLS has been a base camp for producing new talent, with the recent Miguel Almiron sold to Newcastle United for £21 million, which remains the most expensive sale by Atlanta United.
The list just got longer with new debuts in MLS before age 16, but their careers haven’t been the same.
Here are the Top 10 youngest MLS players of all time
10: Nimfasha Berchimas – 16 years, 2 days
On February 2024 Nimfasha Berchimas for FC Charlotte. Born in Burundi, the forward moved to North Carolina as a child, joining local team NC Fusion.
Having made three appearances for Charlotte, the 16-year-old became the youngest US player to score at the U-17 World Cup since Adu.
9: Stiven Jimenez – 15 years, 362 days
Jimenez signed a youth contract with FC Cincinnati three years later after joining the academy and made his senior debut but hasn’t featured for Cincinnati since.
The 17-year-old defensive midfielder has player options in his contract until 2027. Moreover, his value at the club will drop with the lack of games, making it tough for Jimenez to earn a permanent space.
8: Erik Duenas – 15 years, 362 days
Since the foundations in 2016, Erik Duenas has been a Los Angeles FC and became one of the first three homegrown signings.
Duenas had a small stint at Las Vegas Lights before returning to the reserve side LAFC2. Making 18 MLS appearances during the 2023 season, the current 19-year-old hasn’t enjoyed any minutes in 2024.
Also Read: Top 10 Players in MLS 2024
7: Obed Vargas – 15 years, 351 days
Obed Vargas joined Seattle Sounders as an academy player and graduated with an MLS debut. Since then, he has been a key player for Seattle, making 56 MLS appearances and scoring one goal so far.
Entering 18 he continues to impress while the United States and Mexico fight over his international eligibility. Even though he represented the US at youth level, Vargas chose Mexico in May.
6: Matai Akinmboni – 15 years, 328 days
DC United has another player on the list through Matai Akinmboni who has been in and around the first team since his debut in 2022. since then the youngster has made 12 MLS appearances.
A nephew of former Bayern Munich centre-back Samuel Kuffour tried to sign with German side Akinmboni in 2001, but the deal did not materialize and the 17-year-old chose DC United.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest paid players in MLS
5: Axel Kei – 15 years, 288 days
Axel Kei came in as a substitute to make his mark in the MLS but has vanished seen then. The Ivorian forward brought in the second half against Mexican club Atlas FC, still awaits a second senior appearance.
Still only 16 he plays for the youth team of Real Monarchs. The teenager was raised in Brazil before ending up in San Diego in 2017. Two years later he was spotted in the United States youth training camp.
4: Alphonso Davies – 15 years, 257 days
Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has become one of the most successful players to make a name in Europe, after making his debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Davies instantly became a key player in the squad/
The Canadian also operated as a winger for Vancouver in the early days and scored eight goals in 31 MLS appearances that season before signing for Bayern. Later in Germany, he enjoyed continuous success winning five Bundesliga titles and even lifting the Champions League.
3: Julian Hall – 15 years, 190 days
Julian Hall is still a hot prospect after making his debut, scoring 28 goals in 39 matches for Red Bulls Academy, and quickly climbing up into the first-team.
In June Hall scored an 88th-minute equalizer against CF Montreal in a 2-2 draw becoming the second-youngest scorer in MLS history. With all eyes on the youngster, the Red Bulls are hoping to create a star.
2: Freddy Adu – 14 years, 306 days
An infamous record holder who ended his 20-year record, after being called ‘the next Pele’ debuted in 2004 and scored 11 goals across his first three seasons in MLS.
Unfortunately, he turned out to be a flop, as his expectations were unmatchable, and moved across the globe, in search of a successful career. Adu was last seen playing for Swedish side Österlen FF back in 2021 and note he is only 35 now.
1: Cavan Sullivan – 14 years, 293 days
The youngest player in MLS history to date is Sullivan who, since May has been a senior member of the Philadelphia officially. However, he used to play for the reserve team before the big moment.
Looking calm the teenager entered the pitch and registered a shot on target during his brief presence. If given more game time he could also become the youngest goalscorer in MLS history before turning 15.
FAQ’s
Who is the youngest kid to play in the MLS?
Cavan Sullivan.
Who is the 14-year-old pro soccer player in the MLS?
Cavan Sullivan.
What is the minimum age for MLS soccer players?
The player should be twenty-two years old or younger in the first year to play in an MLS game.