History is made as Axel Kei becomes the youngest person EVER to appear for a professional sports team in America at just 13-years-old! After he makes his debut as a substitute in the United Soccer League
- Axel Kei came on a substitute for United Soccer League side Real Monarchs
- He became the youngest ever professional American team sport athlete
- Kei got his chance after banging in the goals for the Real Salt Lake Academy
A 13-year-old made history on Friday night, as Axel Kei became the youngest person to ever appear for a professional sports team in the United States.
Kei came on as a 61st minute substitute for the Real Monarchs during a goalless draw against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, in Friday’s United Soccer League clash.
His appearance for the side which is in the second tier of football in America, was at the age of 13 years, nine months and nine days.
Axel Kei became the youngest player to ever appear for a professional sports team in the USA
In comparison, Freddu Adu who became the youngest player to appear in United States professional sports history in April 2004, was 14 when he made his debut for D.C. United.
As reported by KSL Sports, Kei was born in the Ivory Coast before moving with his family to California as a child.
The Real Monarchs play in the second tier of football in America and they operate as the reserve team of Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake.
The youngster spent his first season at the Real Salt Lakes Academy last year, leading all goalscorers on the Under-15 team.
He has continued his form with the club based in Utah this season, scoring six goals.
In July Real Salt Lake Under-15’s lifted the first-ever MLS NEXT Cup trophy after defeating the top-ranked Philadelphia Union U15s 2-0 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Kei was awarded the MLS NEXT Cup U15 Golden Boot for the most goals scored in the tournament, leading the way with five.