13-year-old Da’vian Kimbrough signs historic deal pro soccer deal

A teen soccer phenom made U.S. sports history this week.

At 13 years, five months and 13 days old, Da’vian Kimbrough signed a pro contract with the Sacramento Republic FC, a second-tier United Soccer League team, to become the youngest professional athlete ever in American team sports.

“Da’vian’s journey with Republic FC is just beginning,” Sacramento president and general manager Todd Dunivant said in a statement. “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 onto the first team training grounds.

“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 ESPN, New York City FC’s Maximo Carrizo, who signed with the team on the day he turned 14 in February 2022, had previously been the youngest athlete to go pro in the U.S.

Kimbrough signed with Sacramento’s youth academy in 2021 as an 11-year-old.

In June, the forward carried the New York Red Bulls to a Bassevelde U13 Cup championship against some of Europe’s best teams, winning the tournament MVP.

“Da’vian has shown tremendous focus, commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to embrace the challenging road ahead of him,” The Republic’s head coach Mark Briggs said. “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.”

He is expected to continue his education at Elk Grove Charter School in California while playing for the Republic.

Kimbrough could make his professional debut for Sacramento on Saturday when the team faces off against Birmingham Legion FC.