Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman has made football history, becoming the youngest-ever player to feature in the UEFA Champions League.
The 15-year-old prodigy came off the bench in the 73rd minute, replacing Leandro Trossard, during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday, November 4.
At just 15 years and 308 days old—or 309 days, according to some reports—Max Dowman shattered the previous record held by German striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund at 16 years and 18 days in 2020. This historic appearance makes Dowman the first 15-year-old ever to play in Europe’s top-tier competition.
Speaking after the match in Prague, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the teenager’s composure and confidence on such a massive stage.
“He comes in, the first ball he takes, he takes people on, he starts to dribble, he gets a foul,” Arteta said. “You cannot teach that. You have it or you don’t, and it doesn’t matter what his passport says.”
Arteta added that he was “really happy” with Dowman’s ability to “adapt and have a good performance” under pressure.
This latest achievement adds to a string of records for the young Gunner. Dowman made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 235 days in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds in August, making him the second-youngest player in league history—behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri.
Just a week ago, he also became the youngest-ever player to start a match for Arsenal, featuring in their 2-0 League Cup win over Brighton at 15 years and 302 days.
Having joined the Arsenal academy at age five, Max Dowman is rapidly emerging as one of world football’s brightest young talents—and his Champions League debut has only strengthened that reputation.
