13-Year-Old Phenom Becomes Youngest Pro in American Sports History

[SebastianBlue]

As much as these early breakthrough stories seem great on the surface, I can’t help but worry for the kid, as this path most often leads to ruin, not glory. Just have to look at the life and career of a similar past American phenom, Freddy Adu.

Genuinely hope he has a much better experience and finds success, however he defines it, of course.

https://www.si.com/.amp/soccer/2023/08/09/13-year-old-soccer-phenom-becomes-youngest-pro-in-american-sports-history

 

[Phil1]

As much as these early breakthrough stories seem great on the surface, I can’t help but worry for the kid, as this path most often leads to ruin, not glory. Just have to look at the life and career of a similar past American phenom, Freddy Adu.

Genuinely hope he has a much better experience and finds success, however he defines it, of course.

https://www.si.com/.amp/soccer/2023/08/09/13-year-old-soccer-phenom-becomes-youngest-pro-in-american-sports-history

It’s a fix!!! :-)

 

[SebastianBlue]

It’s a fix!!! :-)

In this case, literally. ;-)

 

[Barcon]

Freddy Adu would have turned out to be world class if they would have let David Moyes coach him for a season.

 

[I'm With Stupid]

Good luck to the kid, but looking at a picture of him, I can't help but think they've just got someone who's physically developed early. Doing well at an U13 competition isn't particularly revealing if you've already got the body of a 15 or 16 year old.

 

[Stephen230]

Should be illegal for a 13 year old child to be competing with adults at a professional level in a contact sport.

 

[mexico1970]

Should be illegal for a 13 year old child to be competing with adults at a professional level in a contact sport.

These days men can compete with women so hey ho :)

 

[SebastianBlue]

Should be illegal for a 13 year old child to be competing with adults at a professional level in a contact sport.

I think it should be illegal for many reasons beyond that, most related to the inability of them to have full agency in decision-making at that age.

 

[jimharri]

Can't help feeling it's too much, too soon. He's still a child, he should be allowed to develop out of the limelight, in his local club's academy. If he's still on an upward curve in 3 or 4 years' time, then take another look at his potential career. As has already been mentioned, Freddy Adu should be a note of caution for those dealing with the boy.

 

[Mr. Wednesday]

5'11 thirteen year-old. OK then.