Somebody Needs to Check This Kid's Birth Certificate

I know that most of you in the Jakeneck Universe aren't sports fans, but this was too amazing not to post. Today, The Major Soccer League (MLS) announced that it has come to terms on a six-year deal with 14-year-old prodigy Freddy Adu, considered by many to be the best player under 17 in the world. The terms of the deal are such that Adu will sign with and play for D.C. United, who play their home games not too far from Adu's Maryland home.

The Ghanaian-born Adu's signing with the MLS is actually a huge deal, not just because of his young age, but because his talents had been sought after by some of the best clubs in the world, including perennial European powers Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona. The kid is apparently so good that it has been rumored that Adu may suit-up and play for the U.S. National Team at the 2006 World Cup, when he will be just 16.

It is likely that the future of the now decade-old MLS will rest squarely on this young man's shoulders. Whether or not he can carry the league remains to be seen, but it at last has what all successful sports leagues need, an identifiable star. Stay tuned.