Da’vian Kimbrough made U.S. soccer history on Tuesday after signing with the United Soccer League’s Sacramento Republic F.C.. The 13-year-old forward is believed to be the youngest American professional athlete in the country.

The California local started off his early career playing for North Bay Elite Futbol Club in Solano County, as well as Yolo County’s Woodland Soccer Club. Soon after, Kimbrough joined the Republic F.C.’s Academy at the age of 11 and continued on to play two full seasons within the academy.

During his first season with the academy, he scored 27 goals in 31 matches. This same season, the academy’s U13 team was ranked first in the country for his age group.

He scored a total of 61 goals in his 81 appearances with Republic F.C.’s Academy.

These breakout performances led to his recruitment as a guest player for the 2023 Bassevelde U13 Cup. In this prestigious tournament, Kimbrough was up against some of the strongest clubs in the world. He still, however, assisted the New York Red Bulls Academy to a championship victory, and was named the tournament’s MVP.

His academy performance and his work in the Bassevelde Cup are components that have led to his most recent titles: the youngest professional U.S. soccer player, and presumably, the youngest professional athlete in America. 

Kimbrough has a lot of anticipation from viewers regarding his future since his journey has only just begun. He will also have tough questions to answer as he gets older due to his dual-citizenship status in the U.S. and Mexico. Given his talent and the growth that is expected to come during his time in the league, both countries will likely approach him to play for their respective teams in the future.  

“We are honored that the Kimbrough family and Da’vian have chosen Republic F.C. to support his professional pathway, and we look forward to taking the next steps together,” said Sacramento Republic F.C. general manager Todd Dunivant in a press release.