Arsenal youngster Max Dowman was named as a starter for the very first time in his senior career when Mikel Arteta picked him to face Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The 15-year-old has been part of the first-team set-up for the past year or so, featuring in training with the senior players.
With so much talent, it was only a matter of time before appearances came his way, with Dowman making his debut against Leeds United, before several other displays from the bench.
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For Arsenal, there is a clear talent there who continues to smash records left and right, and his inclusion in the first team brought about yet another club record to be broken.
Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Youth League 2025/26
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Max Dowman becomes the youngest-ever Arsenal starter with Brighton appearance
Max Dowman’s time in the senior team so far has given some insight into the quality and potential he has, with Arsenal looking to harness that in the best way possible.
Given how competitive the Gunners are trying to be across all competitions, it’s a tough task for any youngster to come in and hit the ground running.
However, the faith is clearly there, as Arteta’s recent praise of Dowman was backed up with an opportunity in the starting line-up against Brighton.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🧱 Mosquera and Hincapie at the back
©️ Merino skippers the side
🆕 Dowman and Harriman-Annous start for the first time
Let's book our spot in the next round, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2025
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It’s a first start for the youngster, who becomes the youngest-ever Arsenal starter as a result of the decision.
At 15 years and 235 days old, there is a record that looks unlikely to ever be beaten by any other player.
He takes the record from Jack Porter, who made his debut for Arsenal in last season’s Carabao Cup in similar circumstances.
The goalkeeper was 16 years and 72 days old, a record that also seemed unlikely to be beaten any time soon.
It may take a special talent to beat Dowman’s current record, but now he has a chance to show everyone exactly what he is capable of.