Prague, Czech Republic – Arsenal's Champions League group stage match against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night will be remembered not only for the Gunners' dominant 3-0 victory but also for a historic moment involving young Max Dowman. The 15-year-old winger became the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Dowman, who is 15 years and 308 days old, came off the bench in the match, surpassing the previous record held by Youssoufa Moukoko of Borussia Dortmund, who played in the competition at 16 years and 18 days. He is also the only person under 16 to ever play in Europe's leading competition. The young Gunner has already made waves this season, becoming the second-youngest player in Arsenal and Premier League history, only behind his teammate Ethan Nwaneri. This followed his appearance in Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Leeds United in August.
The match itself was a comfortable win for Arsenal, solidifying their position in the Champions League group. Mikel Merino scored twice, once in the 46th minute and again in the 68th minute, while Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in the 31st minute. The victory also marked Arsenal's eighth consecutive clean sheet, matching a club record that dates back 122 years.
While Dowman didn't find the net against Slavia Prague, he has plenty of time to become the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history; that record is held by Ansu Fati, who scored for Barcelona at 17 years and 40 days.
Dowman has been regularly used by manager Mikel Arteta in competitive fixtures this season, making his fifth appearance against Slavia Prague. Widely regarded as one of the best young talents in England, Dowman has impressed with his performances and is considered a star in the making. While he awaits his first senior start for Arsenal, his record-breaking Champions League debut is a major step in his development.
The other youngest players to feature in the Champions League are Lamine Yamal, Celestine Babayoro, Rayan Cherki, Youri Tielemans, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Alen Halilović.
