Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman has made football history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League at just 15 years and 308 days old.
The teenage prodigy entered the match as a substitute in the 73rd minute, replacing Leandro Trossard during Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday, November 4. His appearance surpassed the previous record held by German striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 16 years and 18 days old when he debuted for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster’s fearless approach during the post-match press conference in Prague. “He comes in, the first ball he takes, he takes people on, he starts to dribble, he gets a foul,” Arteta explained. “You cannot teach that. You have it or you don’t, and it doesn’t matter what his passport says.”
Arteta expressed satisfaction with Dowman’s ability to adapt and deliver a strong performance in such a high-pressure environment, emphasizing the teenager’s natural personality and courage on the pitch.
The Champions League milestone represents the latest achievement in a remarkable year for the young Arsenal academy graduate. In August, Dowman made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 235 days during a 5-0 victory over Leeds, becoming the second-youngest Premier League player in history behind his Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri.
Last week, Dowman set another record by becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for Arsenal in their 2-0 League Cup fourth round win over Brighton, aged 15 years and 302 days.
Dowman joined the Arsenal academy at age five and is rapidly establishing himself as one of football’s most promising young talents. His series of record-breaking appearances suggests a bright future ahead for the midfielder, who has demonstrated remarkable composure and technical ability beyond his years.
