MLS youngest-ever debutant Cavan Sullivan (14): ‘’I hope to be an outsider in the best way’’
Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan grabbed the headlines last week when he became the youngest debutant in Major League Soccer aged just 14 years and 293 days. It’s the official birth of an American football talent that is expected to change the way the nation views the sport. It’s a lot of responsibility on a 14-year-old, but Sullivan is a special talent. In a recent interview with Soccerbible, the footballer opened up about his desire and hunger to succeed.
‘’Everything right now is a little hectic but it’s positive,’’ said Sullivan. ‘’I’m at the start of my career and the start of my journey and I can imagine for a lot of people on the outside looking in it might seem crazy and a little bit much, but for me and my family, it’s all pretty normal now. Being at home and having them by my side while we go on this journey, that’s something that I always dreamed would happen. It feels good.’’
Sullivan is confident in his abilities and believes that his work ethic sets him apart from the rest. ‘’A lot of people have that, a lot of people don’t. I think that’s the main one for me. Also, who I surround myself with. I know I wouldn’t be here without my family and I know how important they are for me to keep growing and levelling up. So being aware of that, remaining hungry and working hard, that’s what sets me apart. All I want is to be the best.”
His 20-year-old brother Quinn, who also plays for the first team of Philadelphia Union, and his father are Cavan Sullivan’s biggest role models. ‘’My dad has taught me everything I know. He’s my number one fan and my number one critique so I value his impact on what I’m doing and where I can go.’’
‘’My family always keeps me in check,’’ said Sullivan. ‘’Even after all the contracts and anything that comes my way, I’m not going to change, they’re not going to change. I also think that my mindset is a strong quality for me. I’m a humble person. I’m confident in my ability but I also know that I have a lot of work to do. I’m just at the beginning right now. There’s a lot of work ahead and I’m conscious of that.’’
School
But football is not all Sullivan has to focus on currently as he’s also still going to school. ‘’I go to a great school which is part of the academy. They adapt to my schedule, which is pretty amazing. My brother Quinn, he went through the same process so I’m so lucky to have that role model and he’s been helping guide me through finding that balance. Managing your schedule between school and soccer is a challenge but I know it’s so important. A social life too, you know, you need that. You need your friends to hang out with and to take your mind off of the hard work at times. If ever you’re struggling, they can pull you through. I guess, in my family, school comes first because we’re conscious that soccer could go away one day. So being prepared for that, having a backup plan, it’s so important.’’
Sullivan also reveals that he’s a massive fan of Lionel Messi, who is currently also playing in the MLS for Inter Miami. But outside of football, he’s also a big fan of the 22-year-old NBA player Anthony Edwards. ‘’He’s fun, he’s honest. He’s fun to watch. I like watching interviews when people show their real personality. I feel like I’m getting there – that’s what I want to do anyway. I don’t want to be seen as esoteric. I hope to be an outsider in the best way. I embrace being unique.’’playing in different leagues over the last few years.
