Max Dowman broke into Arsenal's first-team last season and is now a key part of Mikel Arteta's squad
Max Dowman.
Max Dowman enjoyed a breakthrough season for Arsenal last term(Image: Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Max Dowman may be entering this season as a Premier League winner but he's still banned from sharing the changing room with his Arsenal teammates.
The 16-year-old became a regular face in Mikel Arteta's squad last season, making 13 appearances and helping his side lift the title for the first time in 22 years. One of his most important contributions came during the title run-in against Everton, where his introduction inspired a late 2-0 victory which included a goal of his own to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Now, the teenager – along with the rest of his team-mates – are hours away from kicking off their campaign against Coventry City on Friday night. However, Dowman won't be allowed in the changing rooms with his squad due to league regulations.
Premier League rules state that anyone under the age of 18 must change in a separate room from the main group for both training sessions and games. These players are also banned from wearing betting sponsors on their shirts, although that doesn't affect Dowman and Arsenal.
Head Coach Mikel Arteta talks to Max Dowman following the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain.
Mikel Arteta has high expectations for the youngster(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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The winger is allowed to enter the changing room for tactical talks and pre-match speeches. But he will have to wait until the very end of 2027 before he can join in on post-match celebrations.
That won't impact just how important Dowman could be for Arteta and Arsenal this season after his breakthrough campaign last time around.
The teenager has been heavily involved in Arsenal's pre-season preparations, scoring and assisting in a 4-1 win over Girona. He was an unused sub as the Gunners beat Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield last weekend.
Arteta has high expectations for Dowman, insisting the youngster has all the talent to deliver quality performances. Speaking after the win over Girona, he said: "That's what we want when you play for Arsenal.
"Expectations should be high and should be expecting really good things. We know what he's capable of doing. We want to be more consistent in terms of performance and the actions that he can deliver. I think he had a really good game."