Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman has made football history by becoming the youngest-ever player to appear in the UEFA Champions League.
The 15-year-old came off the bench in the 73rd minute, replacing Leandro Trossard, during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague on Tuesday, November 4.
At just 15 years and 308 days old, Dowman broke the previous record held by German striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund at 16 years and 18 days in 2020. Dowman is the first 15-year-old ever to play in Europe’s top club competition.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the young midfielder’s confidence and skill after the match.
“He comes in, the first ball he takes, he takes people on, he starts to dribble, he gets a foul,” Arteta said. “You can’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t, and it doesn’t matter what his passport says. I’m really happy with how he adapted and performed.”
This is just the latest record for Dowman in what has been a breakthrough season.
He made his Premier League debut in August, aged 15 years and 235 days, during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds — becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history, behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri.
Just a week ago, he became the youngest player ever to start a match for Arsenal in their 2-0 League Cup win over Brighton, aged 15 years and 302 days.
Dowman, who joined Arsenal’s academy at age five, is already being hailed as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
