Max Dowman became the second 15-year-old to represent Arsenal in the Premier League when he made his debut as a substitute in Saturday’s home clash with Leeds.
Attacking midfielder Dowman was cheered loudly by fans at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Noni Madueke in the 64th minute, with Arsenal leading 4-0.
Dowman, aged 15 years and 229 days, is now the second youngest Arsenal player in Premier League history.
Ethan Nwaneri was aged just 15 years and 181 days when he made his top-flight Gunners bow back in September 2022.
Nwaneri also featured in Saturday’s game, having come on as a first-half replacement for injured captain Martin Odegaard. He has now made 38 senior appearances for the Gunners, including 26 in the Premier League.
Dowman’s emergence has been one of the big stories of Arsenal’s summer. He shone on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, winning a penalty against Newcastle after outfoxing Brazil international Joelinton and showing flashes of class against AC Milan and Tottenham.
Max Dowman made his Premier League debut for Arsenal at the age of 15 years and 229 days
His potential has already drawn high-profile admirers. Declan Rice has described him as the best 15-year-old in the country, while Odegaard has stressed the need to be patient with a player still taking his first steps in senior football.
‘He’s a top player, top talent, and I think everyone has seen it now in pre-season, what he’s done,’ Odegaard said.
‘I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and create too much of expectations around him, but we just need to give him time to be himself, to grow and learn.
‘Everyone can see the quality. The key thing for us is to help him, support him and make sure he can take it in his own way and his own time. I’m sure he’s going to be a great player for us.’
Odegaard, who was himself a teenage wonderkid when he joined Real Madrid at 16, believes his own experiences can help Dowman and fellow 15-year-old Marli Salmon adjust to the demands of senior football.
‘Life can change really quickly when you get into the first team, so I think I can use that experience to give them some advice here and there,’ he added.
‘When you come through at a young age, there’s going to be a lot of expectations and a lot of hype, but you need to stay focused and keep enjoying your football.’
Manager Mikel Arteta has also spoken glowingly of the youngster, calling his displays ‘special’ and insisting Arsenal will manage his development carefully, just as they did with Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
At 6ft tall and already comfortable in both central and wide roles, Dowman has the physical presence and technical ability to thrive. Coaches at Hale End have even likened his style to that of Brazilian great Kaka, while supporters have rushed to draw more extravagant comparisons.
Dowman cannot sign professional terms until he turns 17 at the end of next year, but Arsenal are confident they have another gem on their hands. His debut ensures his name is now etched into the record books — and marks the start of what the club hope will be a long and glittering career in north London.
