National World Top Stories Update Tuesday 4 November, 2025
Max Dowman made Champions League history last night, becoming the youngest player to make their European debut.
Yesterday evening (Tuesday, November 4) the youngster was called upon once again as the Gunners faced Slavia Prague, being subbed on in the 72nd minute to replace Leandro Trossard.
In doing so, he became the youngest debutant in Champions League history, beating the previous record by two months.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “What he’s done on the pitch - he takes the ball and takes people on, dribbles and gets a foul - that’s personality, courage and you cannot teach that. You either have it or you don’t.
“It doesn’t matter what his passport says, you throw him in and he’s ready to have a good performance.”
But with Dowman setting the record, who are the youngest players in the history of the Champions League? The Arsenal youngster is in good company - there are are a few big names on this list.
1. Max Dowman (Arsenal)
Made his debut against Slavia Prague as the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 victory.
2. Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)
At 16 years and 18 days, Moukoko played in a 2-1 win against Zenit back in 2020. Leaving the German club earlier this year, he now plays for FC Copenhagen.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The Ballon d’Or contender made his Champions League debut in 2023, coming off the bench in a 5-0 drubbing of Royal Antwerp. He was 16 years and two months old at the time.
4. Celestine Babayaro (RSC Anderlecht)
Making his debut at 16 years, two months and 25 days, Babayaro held this record for the longest - having made his appearance all the way back in 1994. His career later took him to the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United and LA Galaxy, before he retired in 2008.
5. Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
The French attacker made his first Champions League appearance in 2019 at 16 years and three months old. Playing for Lyon, he helped them to a 2-0 victory against Zenit.
Cherki now plays for Manchester City, having joined the Premier League giants in the summer transfer window.
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