In the world of soccer, records are made to be broken—and Major League Soccer has just seen another historic milestone. Maximo Carrizo has officially become the youngest player to sign a professional contract in MLS history, doing so with New York City FC on his 14th birthday, February 28, 2022. This remarkable achievement surpasses a record that once belonged to Freddy Adu, whose name was synonymous with young talent for nearly two decades.

Carrizo's signing edges out Axel Kei, who had briefly held the record just a month earlier when he signed with Real Salt Lake in January 2022. But the name that resonates most in this conversation is Freddy Adu. Back in 2004, Adu signed with D.C. United at 14 years and 168 days old, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a U.S. professional sports match. He later became the youngest to score an MLS goal, netting his first on April 17 of that year. Adu's record stood the test of time, with only a handful of players coming close in recent years—though none managed to sign before their 15th birthday until now.

For Carrizo, this is a dream come true. "It’s an honor for me and my family to make MLS history by becoming the league’s youngest player to sign a first team contract," he said in NYCFC's announcement. "This is an incredible club with amazing people. I know I’m young and I have a lot to improve, but I am ready for the challenge and will work hard every day to show everyone what I am capable of."

This trend of young signings isn't just a flash in the pan. MLS has seen a growing pipeline of teenage talent, with several players inking pro deals before their 15th birthdays in recent years. It's a testament to the league's commitment to developing youth and giving rising stars a platform to shine early.

So, who are the youngest players in MLS history? Here's a look at the top 10, led by Carrizo's groundbreaking contract at age 14. Whether you're a fan of the beautiful game or just love a good underdog story, these young phenoms are ones to watch—and they might just inspire the next generation of soccer stars to lace up their boots and chase their own records.