Marli Salmon became the youngest ever defender to play for Arsenal as he made his senior debut away to Club Brugge in the Champions League tonight.
Aged 16 years and 103 days, Salmon is also the fourth youngest player overall in Arsenal’s history behind Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Jack Porter.
Salmon, who mainly plays at centre-back but is also capable of operating at right-back, came on in the latter position in the 83rd minute of the 3-0 victory as he replaced Ben White.
The youngster had previously been an unused substitute against Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend.
Salmon is also the first player from Arsenal’s 2025 scholarship intake to play for the first-team.
Armand Traore was previously Arsenal’s youngest ever defender when he featured against West Bromwich Albion as a 17-year-old in the League Cup in 2006.
Midfielder Louie Copley received his first senior callup and was an unused substitute along with defender Josh Nichols.
_Statistics via Transfermarkt_