Premier League 2025-2026
Premier League 2025-2026
Wayne Rooney opened up about what his son Kai told him after coming up against Arsenal’s teenage talent Max Dowman.
Kai Rooney on Dowman
Wayne Rooney has been keeping a close eye on the new generation of footballers. This time the spotlight fell on Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman.
The teenager became the second youngest player to ever play in the PL, during Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Leeds. After coming off the bench, he did not show any nerves. He even earned a stoppage-time penalty which was scored by Viktor Gyokeres. His performance only added to the hype of his potential. Max Dowman even drew comparisons to Rooney, when he broke into the first team of Everton at a similar age.
Speaking on his BBC show, Rooney revealed what his son Kai had to say about the young Gunner. Kai, who faced Dowman at youth level, kept it simple but telling: “You can see he’s a top player.” Coming from someone who has shared the pitch with him, it was high praise for the player.
The rise of two young prospects
Kai Rooney, though a year older than Dowman, is still carving out his path at Manchester United. He has recently joined the under-18s, and has already scored in just his second outing. He has not yet been on the first team pitch. Wayne said it is a bit surreal seeing his son go through some of the same things he did.
The club is aware that Dowman has all the raw tools to develop into a serious prospect. But, they have no desire to panic him into the full senior set up. Aged only fifteen, the player is still riding the line between football and his education. That is what makes his rise into the PL that bit more remarkable.
Author’s Opinion
Dowman looks like a gem in the making, and Kai’s words only add weight to the buzz. If managed right, Arsenal could have their next superstar. Meanwhile, Kai continues chasing his own breakthrough at Old Trafford.