GOAL takes a look at some of MLS' brightest up-and-coming talents taking the pitch in 2025
Cavan Sullivan stole headlines in 2024 when he snapped Freddy Adu's longstanding record of being MLS' youngest ever player, debuting at 14 years and 293 days-old. However, now aged 15, he's being touted for a breakout year with the Philadelphia Union. Just north of him in New Jersey, 16-year-old phenom Julian Hall is in the same situation; a teenage star ready to break out on the biggest stage.
This is what MLS has become: the stage for some of the world's brightest up-and-coming talents to present themselves to their clubs and their adoring supporters.
However, there are also established young stars in their late teenage years or early 20s who have already become fan favorites, despite being in the youth of their career. U.S. internationals Diego Luna and Jack McGlynn are the perfect example, as are fellow CONCACAF opponents Obed Vargas of Mexico, and Nathan Saliba of Canada.
Then, there are footballers abroad who show visible ambition to come to MLS at the earliest stages of their career, hoping to develop further while making a name for themselves. In 2025, Brazil youth international and reigning Copa Libertadores champion Matheus Nascimento did just that, signing on loan with the MLS Galaxy through the end of the season.
This core is just a handful of names who could break out this year, when in reality, there's a list of over 50 players in that age group that could flourish in MLS this season.
This group, though, are the key individuals who could steal the headlines, create transfer buzz, and shock the league during the 2025 season.
GOAL elaborates below…
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowIMAGNCavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union prodigy made headlines in 2023, signing his first professional contract at just 14 as a Homegrown player. It was the largest deal ever for an MLS Homegrown, including a clause that will send him to Premier League giants Manchester City when he turns 18. However, his first-team minutes were limited in 2024 — appearing in just three senior matches and logging only 10 minutes of MLS action.
At the MLS NEXT Pro level, though, he thrived, leading Union II to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup final, where they fell just short against North Texas SC. In the 3-2 loss, Sullivan registered a secondary assist on Union II’s opening goal.
Now, heading into 2025, the 15-year-old is expected to see an increased role with the senior team and could be a regular on the bench to start the season. With former manager Jim Curtin departing in the offseason and ex-St. Louis CITY SC coach Bradley Carnell now in charge, Sullivan’s workload could expand significantly. This season may finally provide a true glimpse of a player some have labeled “the best in the world” for his age group.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportJulian Hall, New York Red Bulls
Hall, 16, is one of MLS' most exciting prospects at the moment despite his young age. A natural left winger who can play as an attacking midfielder as well, he's the youngest player in RBNY history, but likely someone who will play a big role for the club who featured in MLS Cup 2024 back in December of this upcoming campaign.
In 2024, Hall made 11 appearances for the Red Bulls off the bench, scoring twice and recording an assist in just 151 minutes — making the most of his cameos for the Eastern Conference side.
Notably, he has a Polish passport, too. The nation's footballing federation is reportedly interested in pursuing his allegiance, while the U.S. – whom he has represented at various youth levels – is also keen.
Ahead of this summer, he's looking to push into a bigger role with the senior teams, while reported interest from major teams like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Barcelona looms.
IMAGNDiego Luna, Real Salt Lake
Luna, who made quite an impression in the USMNT's January camp with a ridiculous assist – while rocking a broken nose on the pitch – is MLS' reigning Young Player of the Year. The U.S. international is as dynamic as they come when there are discussions of domestic attackers within MLS.
A versatile left winger and attacking midfielder, Luna scored eight goals and recorded 12 assists in 2024 with RSL — a career year for the now-21-year-old.
Heading into 2025, there are heavy expectations for Luna – who has rumored interest from abroad in England – as he looks to take the next step in his professional career.
AFPJack McGlynn, Houston Dynamo
McGlynn, a U.S. international, was the breakout star of manager Mauricio Pochettino's January Camp in 2025 after a stellar 2024 campaign with the Philadelphia Union. A Homegrown product of the Eastern Conference side, McGlynn was traded to the Houston Dynamo this offseason as well, with the Western Conference club paying a reported $2 million cash fee for the midfielder's services.
With a wand of a left foot, McGlynn is a high-pressing, hard-working midfielder and one of the most exciting prospects in the U.S. talent pool ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the Dynamo, he should be a perfect fit in Ben Olsen’s system, stepping in for the departing Héctor Herrera as he aims to help the club return to the top of the Western Conference.
