Da’vian Kimbrough, 13, made history on Tuesday when he signed his first professional contract with Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship. Kimbrough, who was 13 years, 5 months, and 13 days old when he signed the deal, is currently the United States’ youngest professional soccer player, according to ESPN.
The adolescent is also reported to be the youngest professional athlete in the main sports leagues of North America. The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WNBA are among them. Maximo Carrizo of New York City FC originally held the record. When he turned 14 in February of last year, he signed with the soccer team’s first team.
Before joining Republic FC’s Academy in 2021, Kimbrough played for the North Bay Elite Futbol Club, as well as the Woodland Soccer Club in Solano and Yolo counties.
The adolescent earned a reputation for himself in June during the Bassevelde U13 Cup, a youth event featuring some of the world’s most prominent clubs. Kimbrough was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player as a guest player for the New York Red Bulls, scoring six goals and helping his team become the first MLS club to win the championship.
“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,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said.
“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.”
According to Republic FC, Kimbrough will be put on a reduced training plan and “monitored with the club’s sports medicine staff, in consultation with his family and USL safeguarding guidelines.” Elk Grove Charter School will also continue the teen’s education.
Kimbrough will also be added to the first team roster, pending league and federation permission. On Saturday, the kid might make his professional debut against the Birmingham Legion.
“A young player’s path is never the same as the person seated next to them. Da’vian has shown tremendous focus, commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to embrace the challenging road ahead of him,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Over the last two years he has demonstrated his tremendous potential, and our goal is to continue to support and help him grow as a player and person.”