The Premier League has witnessed the emergence of several exceptionally young talents over the years, players who have broken barriers and rewritten record books with their early debuts. This year, another name has been etched into Premier League history: Max Dowman.
On August 23, 2025, Max Dowman, an attacking midfielder for Arsenal, made his Premier League debut against Leeds United at the age of 15 years and 235 days. Dowman's debut places him as the second-youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League, only behind his teammate Ethan Nwaneri. Dowman came on as a substitute in the 64th minute and even won a penalty in stoppage time during Arsenal's 5-0 victory.
Here’s a look at some of the youngest players to ever play in the Premier League:
- Ethan Nwaneri: The Arsenal midfielder holds the record for the youngest-ever Premier League debutant, stepping onto the pitch at just 15 years and 181 days old in a match against Brentford on September 18, 2022. Nwaneri's debut was described as a "gut feeling" by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who praised the player's qualities and the message it sent about the club's values. As of August 2025, Nwaneri has made 40 senior appearances and scored nine goals.
- Max Dowman: The young Arsenal midfielder recently became the second-youngest player to debut in the Premier League at 15 years and 235 days old. His debut against Leeds United on August 23, 2025, saw him win a penalty, contributing to Arsenal's 5-0 victory. Born on December 31, 2009, Dowman has rapidly progressed through Arsenal's youth ranks, playing for the U18s at age 13 and becoming the youngest goal-scorer in the UEFA Youth League.
- Jeremy Monga: The Leicester City winger became the second-youngest Premier League debutant at 15 years and 271 days old. He made his debut in a match against Newcastle United.
- Harvey Elliott: Before Nwaneri broke the record, Harvey Elliott held the title of the youngest Premier League player. He made his debut for Fulham on May 4, 2019, at the age of 16 years and 30 days in a game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Elliott had already made his first-team debut in the EFL Cup at 15 years and 174 days. He later signed with Liverpool and has become an important player for the club.
- Matthew Briggs: Briggs previously held the record of the youngest player to appear in the Premier League. He made his debut for Fulham against Middlesbrough on May 13, 2007, at 16 years and 68 days old.
- Isaiah Brown: Brown made his Premier League debut at the age of 16 years and 117 days.
- Aaron Lennon: Lennon made his Premier League debut for Leeds United against Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 16 years and 129 days. He went on to have a successful Premier League career, playing over 260 games for Tottenham Hotspur.
These young players represent a new generation of talent emerging in the Premier League, showcasing the potential and opportunities available to young players in the sport.
