James Dielhenn
May 24, 2026, 04:17 PM
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Max Dowman is now the Premier League's youngest starter. Visionhaus/Getty Images
Max Dowman became the youngest-ever player to start a Premier League match on the final day of the 2025-26 season.
Dowman, at 16 years and 144 days, has set another impressive milestone when he lined up against Crystal Palace, one of nine Arsenal changes from their previous league outing.
Dowman has already become the youngest player to make a Premier League appearance, and the youngest goalscorer in the competition, this season.
He is also the youngest winner of the Premier League since Arsenal wrapped up the accolade. Earlier this year, aged 15 years and 308 days, he became the Champions League's youngest-ever player. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final next weekend.
He has now beaten the record set by Jose Baxter of Everton, who was 16 years and 198 days old when he started a game in 2008.
Arsenal received a guard of honour at Selhurst Park after winning the title, their first in 22 years.
Dowman made his fifth league appearance of the season by starting against Palace. Players with at least five league appearances earn a Premier League winner's medal.
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