October 8th 2023.
Da'vian Kimbrough has made history. On October 6th, the 13-year-old became the youngest player to ever turn pro in the United Soccer League when he debuted for the Sacramento Republic.
Da'vian described his experience as a mix of excitement and nerves. “At first, I was a little nervous, but I feel like once I stepped on, it was more exciting than anything. I tried to silence the noise and just play soccer,” he said in an interview alongside his father on Good Morning America.
The remarkable feat bests the previous record held by Axel Kei, who was 13 years, nine months, and nine days old when he debuted for the Real Monarchs. Da'vian was only 13 years, seven months, and 13 days old when he stepped onto the pitch for the 87th minute of the match between his team and the Las Vegas Lights. Kei is now the youngest player in MLS history, and was signed by Real Salt Lake as a 14-year-old.
After the game, Da'vian kept his celebration simple. “I celebrated by going up to my family first of all, of course, taking pictures. And then I also went over to fans at the end, to sign some stuff and take pictures,” he said.
Da'vian's appearance for the Republic marks a long-term investment in him, as he was part of their youth academy for two years prior to signing his first-team contract. His father, Dominique Kimbrough, told GMA, “I actually just didn’t think it would go this far, at that point. His love for the game took it here.”
Dominique also described his son's journey from 4 years old to where he is today. “At 4 years old, it was just alright, let’s get into something, and then that something turned into this amazing human being that’s sitting here with me right now,” he said.
Now, Da'vian's advice to other young athletes is to keep pushing no matter what. “Persevere through everything, no matter what. And everyone has a different path, so even if you don’t make it at the same age as me, keep pushing hard so you can make it eventually.”
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