Rising U.S. Starlet Drawing Comparisons to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal
The buzz around Cavan Sullivan continues to grow, with former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Brad Friedel joining the chorus of voices recognizing the teenager’s rare talent. However, Friedel is preaching patience, warning against placing overwhelming expectations on the 15-year-old prodigy, who is already turning heads with his maturity and skill in Major League Soccer.
America’s Next Big Hope: Cavan Sullivan
U.S. soccer has produced a steady stream of promising talent in recent years, with Christian Pulisic leading the charge as the most accomplished American in Europe. Yet, few young prospects have generated as much excitement as Cavan Sullivan. The Philadelphia Union midfielder signed a record-breaking homegrown contract and has already appeared in 10 MLS matches this season—an extraordinary achievement for someone his age.
Sullivan is slated to join Premier League champions Manchester City when he turns 18, marking a significant step in his development and potentially cementing his place among global elite talents.
Lamine Yamal Comparisons: A Compliment with Caution
When asked by GOAL if Sullivan could be the United States’ equivalent of Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal, Friedel responded positively—while adding a note of caution.
“At the moment, yeah,” Friedel said. “Bags of talent, without a doubt. But I’m more of a ‘walk before you run’ kind of guy.”
The 18-year-old Yamal has already become a key figure for Barcelona and Spain, but Friedel emphasized that raw talent alone isn’t enough. Development at such a young age requires emotional and social maturity, something that can be disrupted by excessive media attention and public pressure.
Navigating Pressure in the Social Media Era
Friedel acknowledged that the modern spotlight—fueled by social media—makes it harder for young players to develop without distractions.
“I wish there was a lot less out there and just let the kid play and develop,” Friedel said. “But that’s not how the world works right now.”
Still, he remains optimistic. According to Friedel, Sullivan is surrounded by a strong support system that could help him manage expectations and grow into the player many hope he’ll become.
“He could be a very, very special player,” Friedel concluded.
Stats Don’t Tell the Full Story—Yet
Despite not registering a goal or assist in senior competition, Sullivan’s youth-level performances suggest his breakthrough is only a matter of time. At just 15, his presence in professional matches speaks volumes about his potential and maturity. As he continues to develop, both physically and tactically, expectations will only grow—but so too might his ability to meet them.
