LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIOJA) – Da’vian Kimbrough, who is just 13 years old, has broken the record for becoming the youngest professional soccer player in American history after being signed by the Sacramento Republic.
When the USL Championship team signed 13-year-old Kimbrough to a professional contract, it was a ground-breaking decision.
With Kimbrough apparently becoming the youngest professional athlete as a result of this historic choice, a new record in American sports history is established.
The forward’s accomplishment exceeds previous marks held by Maximo Carrizo and Melanie Barcenas in the MLS and NWSL, respectively, at just 13 years, five months, and 13 days old.
Kimbrough’s extraordinary journey started in 2021 when he enrolled at Sacramento’s youth school at the age of 11.
As he advanced through the ranks, he made his U-13 team debut and immediately showed off his amazing talent by scoring 27 goals in 31 games while playing at a higher level.
During the next season, he maintained his high standards, scoring an amazing 34 goals in 50 games for the U-14s and U-15s in MLS Next events.
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“Da’vian’s journey with Republic FC is just beginning. He is a remarkable talent who has committed to his dream of becoming an elite player, from competing with players in older age groups and thriving at top competitions to stepping on to the first team training grounds,” said Sacramento Republic FC president and general manager Todd Dunivant.
“We are honored that the Kimbrough family and Da’vian have chosen Republic FC to support his professional pathway, and we look forward to taking the next steps together.”
Kimbrough garnered notice in June when he participated as a guest player for the New York Red Bulls Academy at the Bassevelde U-13 Cup, which was held in Belgium.
Top European clubs sent young teams to the competition. In addition to contributing to the Red Bulls’ championship success, his outstanding performance featured six goals, which helped him win the MVP prize for the campaign.
Kimbrough’s training program will be created and monitored by the club’s sports health team under the direction of his family and in accordance with USL safety regulations.
He will combine his training schedule with further study with an eye toward his growth, and he may enroll at Elk Grove Charter School, a partner in education with Sacramento.
According to reports, the adolescent is considering leaving MLS and moving to Europe when he is ready.