The 17-year-old has become one of the most talked-about talents in American football, attracting attention for his performances with Philadelphia and his anticipated future move to Manchester City.
According to AS, Adidas has won the race to sign Sullivan as an ambassador, beating Nike to the highly rated midfielder. The German sportswear company sees him as a major figure for the next generation of American football and is investing in his potential both on and off the pitch.
Sullivan has already been placed at the centre of Adidas’ Radical Athlete Perception (R.A.P.) project, which uses athlete data and individual measurements to develop equipment tailored to performance.
He also became the first footballer to wear Adidas’ 3D-printed boots in a professional match, making his debut in the technology against New York Red Bulls in July 2026. The footwear has been developed using detailed scans and performance data to create a customised fit.
The commercial interest follows Sullivan’s rapid rise at Philadelphia. He became the youngest player to appear in an MLS match at 14 years and 293 days and has continued to develop into a regular contributor for the Union.
His 2026 league campaign has brought nine goals and seven assists in 29 appearances, underlining the attacking qualities that have made him such an attractive prospect.
Manchester City’s parent organisation, City Football Group, secured his future when he was 14. Sullivan is expected to move to England at the end of 2027, when he will be eligible to make the next step in his career.
The teenager has also made an impression at international level, with his progress attracting attention from the United States senior set-up under Mauricio Pochettino.
The scale of the attention has inevitably brought comparisons with the search for an American football superstar capable of becoming a household name beyond the sport. *AS* described Adidas’ ambition as finding the football equivalent of Michael Jordan, although Sullivan’s development remains at an early stage.
For now, the midfielder’s priority is continuing to perform for Philadelphia while the commercial profile around him grows. Adidas’ commitment, alongside City’s long-term interest, means his progress will be followed closely on both sides of the Atlantic.