Max Dowman has become the youngest starter in Arsenal history after being named in Mikel Arteta’s XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Dowman has already made three senior appearances over 54 minutes for the Gunners this term after an impressive preseason campaign, two of which have come in the Premier League and the other arriving in the third round Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Arteta has made sweeping changes from the weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League for Wednesday’s cup duel with Brighton, with Dowman entering the Arsenal lineup for the first time at senior level.
Dowman’s presence in the makes him the youngest starter in the club’s illustrious history at just 15 years and 302 days, beating the previous record set by fellow academy graduate Jack Porter in the Carabao Cup last term—the goalkeeper making his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers at 16 years and 72 days.
Dowman, expected to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, is already the second-youngest appearance-maker in Premier League history, beaten only by teammate Ethan Nwaneri, and could set plenty of more records before the 2025–26 season concludes.
Player Date of Start Age
Max Dowman October 2025 15 years, 302 days
Jack Porter September 2024 16 years, 72 days
Cesc Fàbregas October 2003 16 years, 177 days
Jack Wilshere September 2008 16 years, 266 days
Gerry Ward August 1953 16 years, 321 days
David O’Leary August 1975 17 years, 106 days
Serge Gnabry October 2012 17 years, 108 days
Arturo Lopoli October 2004 17 years, 125 days
Richie Powling October 1973 17 years, 159 days
Ethan Nwaneri September 2024 17 years, 188 days
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