Sacramento Republic sign youngest American soccer player, Devon Kimbrough at age 13

Posted : 10 August 2023

The Sacramento Republic, a team competing in the USL, the second-tier soccer league in the United States after MLS, achieved a historic milestone by signing Devon Kimbrough, a teenager who has become the youngest player to secure a professional contract in American soccer history. His coach remarked, "Over the past two years, he has consistently displayed his immense potential." Now, the young talent aspires to avoid a fate like Freddy Addo's.

At the age of 13 years, five months, and 15 days, this striker etched his name in U.S. soccer history as the youngest player to ink a professional contract (and likely the youngest across all team sports in the nation). On the upcoming night between Saturday and Sunday at 02:30, he's set to make his debut for the Sacramento Republic, currently leading the West division with 44 points from 23 games, as they face off against the Birmingham Legion.

Kimbrough joined the Sacramento Academy in 2021 at the age of 11. In his inaugural season, he emerged as the top scorer for the U13 team, netting 27 goals in 31 matches. Progressing to the U14 level, he showcased his prowess by scoring an impressive 61 goals in 81 appearances in MLS Next – a prominent breeding ground for American soccer talent – spanning two seasons. This summer, Kimbrough also contributed to the New York Red Bulls Academy team during the U13 Subvalde Cup, where he garnered MVP honors and played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory in the European tournament.

"Davian's journey with Republic is just beginning. He is an exceptional talent who has dedicated himself to realizing his dream of becoming an elite player, pushing himself against older opponents and thriving in high-level competitions, eventually stepping onto the first team's training grounds," commented Todd Dunivant, the team's president and general manager. "We take pride in the fact that the Kimbrough family and Davian have chosen us to support his professional journey, and we eagerly anticipate taking the next steps together."

Head coach Mark Briggs echoed the sentiment, stating, "Davian's dedication and commitment, combined with his readiness to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, are evident. Over the past two years, he has consistently displayed his tremendous potential. Our objective is to continue offering our support to aid his growth as both a player and an individual."

Of course, Kimbrough will undoubtedly wish to avoid a trajectory similar to that of Freddy Addo, a Ghanaian American soccer player who made his entrance into MLS at the age of 14 years and 153 days, even earning the moniker "The Next Pele" (in reference to Ghanaian football legend Abdi Pele). However, his narrative took a more familiar downturn, with his off-pitch struggles overshadowing his on-field performance. A decade later, after brief stints with nine different MLS teams, Addo found himself pursuing a career as a publicist for parties.

Sacramento Republic sign youngest American soccer player, Devon Kimbrough at age 13

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