Youngest professional ever
13-year-old signs with Sacramento Republic
08/09/2023 7:54 p.m
Da’vian Kimbrough appears to be a striker who knows where the goal is. The US second division club Sacramento Republic now equips the 13-year-old with a professional contract, setting a new record.
At the age of just 13, Da’vian Kimbrough received a professional contract with soccer club Sacramento Republic FC. According to the club from the second division of the United Soccer League, the striker is the youngest athlete in the history of the major American professional leagues.
Kimbrough, who was born on February 18, 2010 and previously played in the club’s youth academy, could make his debut against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday. Sacramento did not provide any details on the contract at the time of the presentation. “Da’vian’s journey with Republic FC has just begun. He is a remarkable talent who is committed to his dream of becoming a top player,” said club boss Todd Dunivant.
“Enormous potential demonstrated”
Kimbrough came to Sacramento in 2011 as an 11-year-old, but played one age group higher. In his debut season, he scored 27 goals in 31 games and led the U13 team to 27 straight wins. Most recently, the attacker left his mark in the U14 and U15. In two seasons in the MLS NEXT league, he scored 61 goals in 81 games. “Over the past two years he has shown his enormous potential and our goal is to continue to support him and help him grow as a player and as a person,” said head coach Mark Briggs.
Maximo Carrizo of New York City FC was considered the youngest professional athlete before Kimbrough, who will wear the number 14 shirt in the pros. The footballer from Argentina signed a professional contract with the US club in February 2022 at the age of 14.