Freddy Adu knows all about the challenges of being a teenage wonderkid and is hoping that Cavan Sullivan will soon be shown the level of trust by the Philadelphia Union that his exciting potential deserves. The MLS history-making 16-year-old remains part of the first-team fold in Philly, but ex-USMNT star Adu has told GOAL why the youngster “should have started more games than he has”.
The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Vicky Lopez in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.
The Apple TV analyst caught up with GOAL to talk about why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been inconsistent, and speculated how a potential Robert Lewandowski arrival could change MLS.
Cavan Sullivan will link up with Manchester City once he turns 18, with the USMNT hopeful being tipped to head out of the Etihad Stadium on a two-year European loan immediately after a move to England is completed. The American wonderkid is just 16 years of age, but Tab Ramos has told GOAL what the long-term future could look like for the hottest of prospects.
Cavan Sullivan scored two and added two assists as the Philadelphia Union breezed past Trinidadian side Defence Force FC, 7-0 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The American has now assisted in two of his last three games and contributed to five of the Union's goals in a comprehensive 12-0 aggregate win to secure qualification to the next round of the tournament.
Messi has lifted the trophy, but the real work starts now. Miami have decisions to make, Philadelphia's prodigy Cavan Sullivan is waiting for his chance, and every contender is hunting the right signing before February.
From Cavan Sullivan exceeding expectations to a quietly solid back line, GOAL breaks down five key takeaways on the U.S. U17s ahead of their World Cup clash with Morocco.
The U.S. booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup after Cavan Sullivan’s calmly taken second-half penalty secured a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Saturday in Qatar. The Union prodigy showed composure beyond his years with the spot kick, scoring with a panenka, capping a resilient display as the Americans overturned an early deficit to claim their second straight victory.
Rising star Cavan Sullivan came off the bench for the U.S. in Wednesday's U17 World Cup opener, but the Philadelphia Union attacker made the difference in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. His late goal sealed three points for the U.S. as they began the tournament in Qatar. Sullivan was tossed into the fray with the game scoreless in the 62nd minute.
Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert are among the headliners on a 21-player squad that will represent the United States in the upcoming U17 World Cup. Gonzalo Segares announced his squad on Thursday, and it includes plenty of firepower, headlined by the Philadelphia Union midfielder and the rising Borussia Dortmund star. The roster features players from 15 clubs.
Cavan Sullivan is considered to be the closest thing to an “American Lamine Yamal”, but ex-USMNT star Brad Friedel wants to see the teenage wonderkid left alone to focus on his football. The highly-rated youngster, who already has a move to Manchester City lined up, has made history in MLS and would appear to occupy a similar talent bracket to a fellow sensation at Barcelona.
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