Outgoing MLS Commissioner Don Garber has expressed strong confidence in the league’s emerging young talents, predicting that Major League Soccer will establish itself as one of the top competitions worldwide. He specifically highlighted Cavan Sullivan, a promising prospect from the Philadelphia Union, as a key figure in elevating the league’s global standing, even after his eventual departure.
This season, MLS has unearthed a wealth of young talent, which U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino effectively leveraged in recent post-World Cup friendlies, securing victories in all four matches. Sullivan was among the star performers in those games, scoring twice, while Adri Mehmeti earned his first three international caps. Both players were recently recognized by The Guardian as part of the 60 most promising young footballers worldwide, alongside three other MLS-based prospects.
Other notable young talents include Van Parker of Real Salt Lake, who has excelled with Canada’s youth teams, and Jahmarie Nolan from Toronto FC, who has already debuted for Jamaica’s senior squad. Caleb Simmons of the New York Red Bulls completed the MLS contingent on the list. This representation surpasses that of Germany’s Bundesliga, challenging MLS’s traditional reputation as a retirement league for aging stars. As Don Garber prepares to conclude his 27-year tenure as commissioner at year’s end, he sees these prospects as harbingers of a transformative future for the league.
Speaking at the Leaders Week London conference at Stamford Bridge, Garber shared his vision for MLS over the next decade. “I believe that we’ll have among the most competitive leagues in the world,” he stated. “The Guardian identified the top young players globally—around 50 or 60—with six from MLS and eight from the Premier League. This underscores the growing recognition of our youth talent.”
Garber emphasized the potential of players like Cavan Sullivan, who is set to join Manchester City in January 2028. “What will Cavan Sullivan, a star for the national team at [17], look like at 26? He could be playing for the world’s top teams, winning Champions League trophies, and lifting trophies for the United States. For MLS, this means we’ll be a very different league,” he said. He also stressed the need for integrated youth development, improved facilities, and addressing pay-to-play issues, with a focus on both women’s and youth soccer.
Sullivan, the youngest player to appear in a league match in American professional sports, faces uncertainty regarding potential sanctions against Manchester City for financial rule breaches, though his move is secured post his 18th birthday. While Garber envisions a youth-driven future, MLS continues to attract high-profile veterans. Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami has been transformational, tripling the franchise’s value from $585 million in 2023 to $1.35 billion and boosting jersey sales globally. On the field, Messi’s excellence helped Argentina reach the World Cup final.
“Messi is remarkable in his focus, commitment, loyalty, and competitiveness. I hope he remains in the league for years to come. Everyone knows about MLS and Inter Miami because of Leo Messi in a pink jersey,” Garber remarked. He also welcomed the possibility of Harry Kane joining MLS, viewing it as a fulfillment of the league’s dream to attract world-class talent. “We wanted to create a league where players like Harry Kane would say, ‘I’d like to play in MLS.’ Messi proved that, choosing us over alternatives like Saudi Arabia.”
Upon departing MLS, Garber will chair Soccer Forward, a U.S. Soccer Federation program aimed at mobilizing investment to boost the game’s growth ahead of hosting the World Cup.