He made history in the summer of 2024 by breaking Freddy Adu's record as the youngest player to debut in MLS and signing the largest homegrown contract in league history, which includes a transfer to Manchester City when he turns 18.

Despite his accolades and potential, Sullivan is not yet a regular player for the Philadelphia Union's senior team, raising questions about his development and future opportunities with the club.

Currently, he is ranked as the 30th best teenager in the world by GOAL's NXGN rankings, underscoring his immense potential in soccer.

Cavan Sullivan, a 15-year-old soccer prodigy, has gained significant recognition, being hailed as the 'best 14-year-old in the world' by Manchester City scouts in March 2024.

The complexities of managing the development of young talents like Sullivan are explored, highlighting the balance between nurturing potential and providing competitive opportunities.

Historically, several teenagers have made significant impacts in international tournaments, prompting discussions about whether age should limit a player's opportunities.

As a U.S. youth international, Sullivan aspires to represent the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup, where he would be just 16 years old.

While some young players, like Pele and Kylian Mbappe, have thrived, many labeled as generational talents have not lived up to expectations, emphasizing the need for careful development.

This caution is particularly relevant for Sullivan, as the management of young prodigies is crucial to ensuring their long-term success.