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Arsenal’s Max Dowman, 15, Becomes Youngest Champions League Player in Win at Slavia Prague

Arsenal are easing the 15-year-old into senior football under a welfare-focused plan that reflects FIFA rules delaying any professional deal until age 17.

Overview

  • Dowman, aged 15 years and 308 days, came on in the second half to become the competition’s first 15-year-old, breaking Youssoufa Moukoko’s record.
  • Arsenal won 3-0 in Prague, with Bukayo Saka scoring a first-half penalty and Mikel Merino adding two after the interval.
  • Mikel Arteta praised Dowman’s immediate impact, highlighting his dribbling, foul-winning and what the manager called unteachable personality and courage.
  • The cameo continues a rapid rise this season after Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League’s second-youngest debutant.
  • Reporting indicates a scholarship is set to begin when he turns 16 on Dec. 31, with safeguarding measures in place, while FIFA rules prevent a professional contract until 17.