Cavan Sullivan has been warned of the transfer mistake that he must avoid when linking up with Manchester City, as ex-USMNT star Freddy Adu tells GOAL of the career roadmap that the teenage wonderkid needs to follow. Record-shattering MLS sensation Sullivan is due to join Premier League heavyweights when he turns 18, at which point a loan move is expected to be sanctioned.
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.
The 20-year-old has risen rapidly in his club career, making notable strides in a short space of time. Since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already secured a move overseas and continues to attract praise as a player destined for greatness. However, his switch to America did not earn a nod from his national team coach.
Less than a month into the season, a club has already fired their manager. And that might just leave the door open for a few others who could be feeling the heat.
The 20-year-old started his third Major League Soccer match in a row and played well in keeping a clean sheet for his club. However, the centre back will have sleepless nights over a late chance that would have secured victory for his side.
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.
When the 20-year-old moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire, it triggered a massive upsurge on the Chicago club's social media, which saw 180,000 followers join in the first 48 hours. That figure has since grown to over half a million South African social media accounts now following the club, making up a quarter of their entire online audience.
Calls for the 21-year-old defender to be included in the National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to grow louder, with some believing he has done enough to earn his place in the squad. The centre-back has steadily built his profile during his three years in the United States, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. Crucially, he has tested himself against some of the best attacking talents in the game, such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
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.
The former South Africa Under-23 star has been in the United States since January 2023, where he has steadily worked his way into the first team at his Major League Soccer club. The centre-back has grown with consistent performances at the heart of defence. His impressive outings have even sparked calls for him to be considered for senior national team duty with the South Africa national football team.
DC United and Philadelphia Union ignite their rivalry at Audi Field for the 2026 MLS season opener! Ready to catch every goal? We’ve got you covered with the start time, TV channel, and how to live stream the match.
If you're wondering about the main dates for the upcoming Major League Soccer season, GOAL has you covered - plus more info on how to watch games on TV
GOAL spoke to GMs and chief soccer officers across MLS about the league’s 3.0 vision: the calendar change is progress, but executives say the next steps must come faster.
Baribo enjoyed two successful years in Philadelphia, but insists he is ready to be the focal point of a club - something D.C. guaranteed the prolific striker
The 20-year-old made a surprising move to Major League Soccer, where he joined the Chicago Fire, who showed interest after the youngster's consistent displays for the Sea Robbers. There have been contradicting reactions to the youngster's decision to join the latter from the Premier Soccer League; a section has been supporting while others feel otherwise.
Philadelphia Union
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