Max Dowman made history alongside Marli Salmon in Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup win over Mansfield Town
Max Dowman of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Mansfield Town and Arsenal on March 07, 2026 in Mansfield, England.
Max Dowman shone in the FA Cup(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
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Declan Rice is astounded by Max Dowman's dedication to football and education. The Arsenal star's response upon seeing the teenager in his school uniform during a FaceTime chat underscored the commitment required to thrive in north London.
Dowman joined Marli Salmon on the pitch during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup. They became the first duo of 16-year-olds to start the same match for a top-flight club in any competition since 1967.
Salmon initially held the record as the youngest player to touch the ball in the fifth round of the FA Cup in the post-war era. This lasted a mere six seconds, however, after Dowman claimed this achievement.
Speaking to TNT Sports in September last year, midfield stalwart Rice confessed to being taken aback by the teenager's efforts and attitude at Arsenal. He said: "Obviously, Max is only 15, just going to be turning 16 in December.
"I've never seen a 15-year-old so comfortable around the first team, it's insane. They actually are just kids."
Highlighting Dowman's educational commitments whilst playing for the Premier League leaders, Rice added: "I said to Max on the way back from pre-season tour, I couldn't get my head around it that he was going back to school.
"He FaceTimed the other day and he had his school uniform on, and I was like 'Mate, you've just played in the Premier League a week ago, and now you're walking back through the school gates. '
Declan Rice and Max Dowman of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 21, 2025 in London Colney, England.
The teenager is shining for Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"Even me as a 15-year-old, going into West Ham's first team dressing room, I would no way have been as confident as he was.
"I would've been quiet in the corner. Unless someone spoke to me, I wouldn't have spoken to them, whereas I feel like now, Max especially, he's just so confident in himself and his ability.
"The support network here is incredible and I've seen the academy - the way they work, it's insane."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to Max Dowman during a training session at Singapore National Stadium on July 22, 2025 in Singapore.
Arteta is also pleased by Dowman's performances(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Rice's response to Dowman's demeanour reveals plenty about the teenager's prospects at Arsenal, considering his self-assured manner amongst the senior group. Manager Mikel Arteta was equally effusive in his praise for the youngster following his impressive showing in the FA Cup.
He said: "Quality. Because the ball is bouncing all over the place, and you have people on your back.
"The way he handles the time, the space, the touches that he takes is just incredible. Especially at the speed that he delivers those actions. That tells you the talent that he has."
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