Cavan Sullivan Ranks Sixth in MLS Jersey Sales
On November 3, MLS ranked Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan sixth in player jersey sales for the year, making him the highest-selling American in the top 10.
Sullivan placed below five renowned players from abroad: Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann. The rest of the top 10 included Denis Bouanga, Luis Suárez, Hany Mukhtar and Rodrigo De Paul. Sullivan was the only U.S. player on the list.
The Union forward has backed his popularity with 10 goals and 11 assists this season. He also scored his first goal for the U.S. national team, a standout strike against Mexico. Playing for his hometown club in Philadelphia has helped make him a prominent local figure, while the Union have rarely had a homegrown star of his profile.
Other young American players have also attracted notice: Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall of New York, Justin Ellis in Orlando, and Peyton Miller from New England. But the international stars bring established global followings, and several U.S. national team players who might have lifted jersey sales either moved abroad, had limited roles or stepped away from the team.
Sullivan is expected to leave for Europe after one more year with the Union. For now, the team is preparing for the playoffs following its final regular-season match, a November 7 meeting with Toronto FC at Philadelphia’s Subaru Park. A strong postseason run could raise Sullivan’s profile further.