Max Dowman Creates History with Premier League Debut at 15

Arsenal’s Max Dowman made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 235 days in a 5-0 win over Leeds, becoming the league’s second-youngest player after Ethan Nwaneri. The left-footed midfielder impressed with a late dribble that won a penalty. Already England’s youngest U17 Euros scorer, he could feature in the Champions League after turning 16 in December.

As the Premier League witnessed a historic moment, 15-year-old Max Dowman made his senior debut for Arsenal in their 5-0 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on August 23, 2025. At 15 years and 235 days, he became the second youngest player in Premier League history, behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted at 15 years and 181 days in 2022. Dowman’s introduction in the 64th minute drew the loudest cheer of the night, and he impressed further by winning a stoppage-time penalty that sealed the victory. 

Born in Chelmsford, Dowman has been with Arsenal since the age of five. He rose quickly through the youth ranks, debuting for the under-18s at 13 and becoming the youngest scorer in the UEFA Youth League at 14. By December 2024, Mikel Arteta had already invited him to train with the first team, and he shone during preseason matches in Asia. 

Internationally, Dowman represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels, scoring in the European Championship in May 2025 as the competition’s youngest scorer. Although still too young for Champions League football, he will be eligible after turning 16 on December 31. Tipped as England’s answer to Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Dowman has already earned high praise from Arteta, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber.