A star is born, and records are tumbling! Arsenal's Max Dowman etched his name into Champions League history on Tuesday, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the competition. The young midfielder, aged just 15 years and 308 days, replaced Leandro Trossard in the 73rd minute of Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague, surpassing the previous record held by Youssoufa Moukoko. Moukoko was 16 years and 18 days old when he made his Champions League debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Dowman's remarkable achievement is the latest in a string of impressive accomplishments for the Arsenal prodigy. He joined Arsenal's youth academy at the tender age of five in 2015. His rapid progression through the ranks has seen him become the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history at 14 years, 263 days. He also made his Premier League debut earlier this season at 15 years and 235 days, becoming the second-youngest player to feature in the league, only behind his teammate Ethan Nwaneri.
The young Gunner's performance against Leeds, where he won a late penalty, convinced Mikel Arteta to include him in Arsenal's Champions League squad. Dowman's Champions League debut had been brewing, having been an unused substitute in previous games. He finally got his chance against Slavia Prague, making an immediate impact by helping Arsenal maintain their dominance in the game.
Dowman, a left-footed attacking midfielder, was born in Chelmsford and has been likened to Kaká. He was invited to train with the senior team in December of last year and impressed during Arsenal's preseason tour of Asia. His talent has been evident at every level, and he has consistently put up impressive numbers in youth competitions.
To comply with Premier League regulations, Dowman has to change in a separate locker room for training sessions and matches. Despite his burgeoning football career, he still attends school in Essex.
Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague, secured through a penalty from Bukayo Saka and two goals from Mikel Merino, was somewhat overshadowed by Dowman's historic debut. Another young talent, Andre Harriman-Annous, also made his Champions League debut in the same match, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute.
Max Dowman's record-breaking debut highlights the increasing trend of young players making their mark in top-level football. Lamine Yamal, who debuted in the Champions League at 16 years and 68 days, is another example of this phenomenon. However, Dowman's record will be exceptionally difficult to break. As he continues his development, the sky is the limit for this exceptional young talent.
