Axel Kei: Things to recognize approximately Real Salt Lake report-breaker

Real Salt Lake academy ahead Axel Kei made records lately because the youngest-ever player to make a professional appearance for an American sports activities crew.

Aged simply thirteen years, nine months and 9 days antique, Kei entered the field in the 61st minute of Real Monarchs' (RSL's USL associate) zero-0 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, replacing United States global striker Bobby Wood. A crowd just shy of one,500 turned into in attendance for this historical moment.

"My dream become to play professionally as quickly as viable, and now that I've carried out that my goal is to show myself at the best degree, stay there after which make it into the starting lineup," Kei stated of his debut.

Incredibly, Kei has given that damaged every other record. In January, at 14 years and 15 days old, he changed into given his first homegrown contract by way of Real Salt Lake making him the youngest player in MLS history - a report previously held by Freddy Adu (14 years, 168 days).

So, here are five belongings you have to realize about Kei ahead of what could be a meteoric rise in the sport.

Born inside the Ivory Coast on thirtieth December, 2007, Kei turned into raised in Brazil before eventually arriving in the United States 4 years ago, shifting to San Diego. Kei joined up with RSL as part of their residency academy in 2020.

Kei is the oldest of three siblings, together with his sister 10 years of age, whilst he additionally has a three-year-old brother. Kei already stands at a massive 6'1, at the same time as his sister is 5'10. Real Salt Lake defined Kei's complete own family to 90min as "wonderful tall".

Little is publicly recognised approximately Kei's family with the teen keeping his non-public life simply that, private. But RSL did verify to 90min that his father performed soccer professionally in Brazil, so it's easy to look wherein he gets his expertise from.

On the pitch, Kei is nice defined as robust, terrifyingly speedy and extraordinarily skilful. It'll come as little surprise, then, that he names Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku and PSG star Kylian Mbappe as his favourite players. Kei is visible as a blend of the two styles of play and the muse he has taken from each is clear to peer.

Kei hit the ground jogging quick after becoming a member of RSL and soon found himself gambling amongst their U-17 and U-19 teams. However, at some stage in the MLS NEXT Cup, he rejoined the U-15s and put in a without a doubt dominant overall performance, scoring five desires to win the Golden Boot as RSL emerged victorious at that age organization. Since then, Kei has been again with the U-17s wherein he has scored six goals in six games on the MLS NEXT degree.