Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee/AP/File
Soccer player Da’vian Kimbrough made his debut for the Sacramento Republic on Sunday at the age of 13, marking a historic moment for US sports.
Kimbrough was brought on as a substitute in the 87th minute of Sacramento’s 2-0 victory against Las Vegas Lights, making him the youngest professional athlete in American team sports. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at Heart Health Park, according to the Sacramento Republic website.
Aged 13 years, seven months, and 13 days, Kimbrough also became the youngest professional soccer player to make their debut in a competitive match.
The previous record was held by Axel Kei who made his debut aged 13 months, nine months, and nine days on October 8, 2021 for the Real Monarchs against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
The record for the youngest professional athlete in American team sports was previously held by New York City FC 2’s Maximo Carizzo, a landmark set in in 2022, said the Sacramento club.
Sacramento Republic plays in the USL Championship, the second-tier of US soccer.
With the victory, Sacramento remains in first place in the Western Conference.
Historic. Da’vian Kimbrough makes his professional debut at 13 years, 7 months, 13 days with his hometown club. pic.twitter.com/SNjsxQPlA5
— x – Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) October 2, 2023
Kimbrough signed with Sacramento in August, making him the youngest professional athlete in US team sports history.