Arsenal youngster Max Dowman is already breaking records at the youth level and in the senior team, but he is eyeing even more chances to enter the history books.
At just 15 years old, the youngster has made quite the impression on Mikel Arteta, who suggested he would’ve handed him a first outing last season if he could have.
Now that he is eligible to play for the Arsenal senior team, he is showing signs of promise with his creative flair and ball-carrying ability.
Dowman’s debut against Leeds saw him make an impact, winning a penalty late on that was dispatched to seal a thrashing.
The attacking midfielder has made one appearance since, coming against Liverpool, while he has his eyes on more to come.
The next chance for Max Dowman could come in the Champions League, as Arsenal take on Athletic Club, where there’s a chance to break another record.
Max Dowman could become the youngest Champions League player ever at Arsenal
As there is no age restriction on playing in the Champions League, Max Dowman can make his debut in the competition for Arsenal this season.
The Gunners included the 15-year-old in their “List A” squad, which is made up of a maximum of 25 players, eight of whom must be homegrown.
It means he is eligible to feature, while the “List B” squad can feature other eligible under-21 players if required to boost the team.
If Dowman features before the end of the calendar year, then he will become the youngest Champions League player ever.
That would beat the current holder, Youssoufa Moukoko, who set the record back in 2020 when he featured for Borussia Dortmund.
Lamine Yamal came close to breaking the record for Barcelona, but missed out by 50 days in the end.
Dowman would be the first 15-year-old to feature at this stage of the competition, which is a record that would be tough to beat.
Who are the youngest players in Champions League history
There are plenty of promising youngsters who have made their debut on the Champions League stage in fine fashion.
Some of those have gone on to make some impressive careers, while others haven’t quite managed to hit the heights since.
- Youssoufa Moukoko (16 years 18 days)
- Lamine Yamal (16 years 68 days)
- Celestine Babayaro (16 years 86 days)
- Rayan Cherki (16 years 102 days)
- Alen Halilovic (16 years 128 days)
While Yamal and Cherki are now household names, the likes of Moukoko, Babayaro and Halilovic never quite lived up to their promise – though the former is still playing and looking to live up to his promise.
Whether Dowman can beat them to that record is unclear, as it will require some faith from Arteta to play him.
However, the more important thing is just how far he can go in his career in the future.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
