Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal made history by naming 15-year-old Max Dowman in the starting lineup for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion, making him the youngest player ever to start a competitive game for the Gunners.
Dowman, aged 15 years and 302 days, broke the club record previously held by Jack Porter, who made his debut at 16 years and 72 days. The decision reflects Arsenal’s growing confidence in their youth system and Arteta’s belief in Dowman’s readiness.
Arteta said, “If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him. But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him.” He added that while the club will manage Dowman carefully to protect his long-term development, the timing felt right given his performances in training.
Dowman has already made senior appearances this season, including two in the Premier League and one as a substitute in a previous Carabao Cup match. Although he is still too young to sign a professional contract under FIFA rules, Arsenal have reportedly tied him to scholarship terms to secure his future.
His selection underlines Arsenal’s willingness to promote young talent, following the path of academy graduates such as Ethan Nwaneri, and shows the club’s commitment to giving ambitious youngsters first-team opportunities. For Dowman, this start marks a major milestone in his career, with a first-team appearance at just 15 years old highlighting his potential.
Arsenal’s confirmed starting XI for the match was:
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Ben White, Piero Hincapié, Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Mikel Merino, Christian Nørgaard, Ethan Nwaneri; Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, Andre Harriman-Annous.
Substitutes included Raya, Gabriel, Saka, Timber, Gyokeres, Trossard, Calafiori, Zubimendi, and Rice.
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