Arsenal star Max Dowman became the youngest-ever player in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 4. He came on as a substitute in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Slavia Praha away.
The Gunners traveled to the Fortuna Arena to continue their 100% record in the Champions League this season on Tuesday. They dominated the game with 60% possession and 14 attempts, with seven being on target. Slavia Praha, on the other hand, had eight attempts, with three being on target.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 32nd minute via a penalty. Mikel Merino made it 2-0 in the 46th minute before completing his brace in the 68th minute. Max Dowman then came on in the 73rd minute to replace Leandro Trossard. In doing so, he became the youngest-ever player in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days.
The Arsenal youngster surpassed Youssoufa Moukoko and Lamine Yamal on the list. The former Borussia Dortmund striker featured in the Champions League at 16 years and 18 days against Zenit St. Petersburg in December 2020. Meanwhile, Yamal featured in the tournament at 16 years and 68 days against Royal Antwerp in September 2023.
Dowman had also become the youngest player to start for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup on October 29.
Mikel Arteta hails Max Dowman's impact after Arsenal's win over Slavia Praha
Max Dowman completed 4/6 passes, completed 1/3 dribble attempts, and won 4/6 duels during his brief time on the pitch against Slavia Praha. The youngster has impressed in his senior performances for Arsenal across competitions this season.
After the game, Mikel Arteta lauded Dowman on his Champions League debut and said (h/t Arsenal.com):
"What he's done on the pitch is that he comes in, the first ball he takes, he takes people on, he starts to dribble, and gets a foul. That's personality, that's courage and that you cannot teach that. You have it or you don't, and it doesn't matter what his passport says. You throw him in this context and he's ready to adapt and have a good performance. So, I'm really happy with that."
Dowman has made five senior appearances, providing one assist.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have now won 10 games in a row across competitions, and haven't conceded a goal in their last eight games. They will next face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Saturday, November 8.