USMNT Prodigy Cavan Sullivan Shatters Records Again With Prestigious MLS Honor

Cavan Sullivan keeps collecting accolades. Following a remarkable breakout campaign with the Philadelphia Union, the teenage winger has claimed the top position on Major League Soccer's annual 22 Under 22 list, adding another prestigious honor to his blossoming career. 

The list is compiled by MLS through a survey of an expert panel consisting of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, broadcasters and select media outlets, including Sports Illustrated. 

At 17 years and 22 days of age, Sullivan becomes the youngest player in history to claim the No. 1 spot. Tallying seven goals and 13 assists across just 20 starts, he has firmly cemented himself as one of the most threatening attackers in the league.

Sullivan's exploits in MLS have attracted enormous global attention, reaching a new milestone when he received his first call-up to manager Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. men's national team for a four-game friendly series this fall.

He wasted no time making his mark on the international stage, starting two games for the Stars and Stripes, including the high-profile clash against fierce rival Mexico. It was in that match that Sullivan became the youngest scorer in USMNT history, netting a stunning goal to help the Americans cruise to a commanding 3–0 victory. The USMNT wrapped up the window with a flawless four-win record, with Sullivan's attacking contributions playing a significant role. He gave Pochettino ample reason to include him in November's Concacaf Nations League plans.

Among those named to MLS's 22 Under 22 list, Sullivan is one of 12 players with international experience, joined by seven USMNT-capped talents as well as Chicago Fire center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup earlier this summer.

Sullivan Outshines Alphonso Davies

Sullivan eclipses Bayern Munich and Canada icon Alphonso Davies, who became the youngest player to claim the top spot on MLS's 22 Under 22 back in 2018 at just 17 years and 355 days old while featuring for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Sullivan also becomes just the second Union player to earn the honor, following Leeds United and USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who claimed it in 2020. 

While Sullivan made his MLS debut in 2024, surpassing Freddy Adu as the league's youngest-ever debutant at just 14 years and 293 days, he only began receiving consistent playing time this summer when interim manager Ryan Richter stepped in for Bradley Carnell, who had been reluctant to field the youngster. 

Under Richter's guidance, Sullivan has evolved into a regular starter and a central figure in the Union's impressive resurgence. After beginning the season without a win and sitting at the foot of the table, the Union are currently riding a 15-game unbeaten run, making them a genuine MLS Cup contender in a fiercely competitive Eastern Conference. 

In the final six regular season matches alone, Sullivan accumulated three goals and seven assists. He was awarded MLS Player of the Month for September, edging out the likes of Lionel Messi to become the youngest recipient of the honor in league history. He also recently shattered the record for the most goal contributions by a teenager in a single MLS season (21).

USMNT Talents Headline Rankings

Sullivan topping the prestigious MLS list may have come as little surprise, but seven fellow USMNT-capped players also featured prominently. 

Finishing in second place was Red Bull New York's Julian Hall, who netted three goals across his first four USMNT appearances this fall. He has contributed 11 goals and three assists in 29 MLS outings this season. His USMNT and Red Bull teammate, midfielder Adri Mehmeti, ranked third with over 2,200 minutes logged under manager Michael Bradley. 

Among the other recent USMNT call-ups was Orlando City's Justin Ellis, who has registered a goal and 11 assists this season while thriving alongside French legend Antoine Griezmann. The 19-year-old placed fifth, having also recently claimed a major MLS award of his own. Meanwhile, pacey New England Revolution fullback Peyton Miller, who impressed on the USMNT's left flank last month, finished sixth in the voting. 

Imposing 6'7" Union center back Neil Pierre claimed seventh place after establishing himself as one of the USMNT's most promising defensive talents. New England's Brooklyn Raines and Philadelphia's Frankie Westfield also featured in the rankings, finishing 10th and 11th respectively.

MLS 22 Under 22: Full List