The Next Lionel Messi? Who Is 15-Year-Old Arsenal Wonderkid Max Dowman?

Max Dowman's Impressive Records

Max Dowman will turn 16 at the end of the year, as his birthday is on December 31, 2009. He has broken records by becoming one of the youngest players to appear in youth competitions.

One record Dowman set is becoming the youngest goal scorer in the UEFA Youth League at 14 years old. He scored for Arsenal's U-19 team against Atalanta's youth team last year. He was exactly 14 years, eight months, and 19 days old.

Last year, Dowman became the youngest player in Premier League 2, the senior youth league, in history at 14 years old. He made his debut for the Arsenal U-18 team in 2023, when he was just 13 years old.

Dowman could become one of the youngest players to ever debut in the Premier League if Arteta decides to play him in the upcoming season. The youngest ever player to play in the Premier League is Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted at 15 years and 181 days old.

Max Dowman's Rise at Arsenal

Dowman has been an exciting prospect from the Hale End Academy, and many Arsenal fans believe he will soon make the first team despite his young age.

The English attacking midfielder has made a statement at the youth level that has earned him opportunities to train with the first team. Now, during the pre-season for the 2025-26 season, Dowman has finally made his debut with the first team and impressed.

His first game for Arsenal's first team in a friendly against AC Milan was nearly a week ago. He played 24 minutes but impressed with his daring attempts in front of the goal.

He made a serious impression in the previous friendly against Newcastle United. After 30 minutes, Dowman was the most fouled player in the match, completed two dribbles, and had two shots on target. He also earned a penalty for Arsenal in the Gunners' 3-2 win over Newcastle.

Arsenal have three more friendlies before the start of the Premier League season, and another great cameo could seriously make Arteta consider Dowman for the upcoming season.

What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal's next friendly will be against Tottenham on Thursday at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. It will be the last game in Arsenal's Asian pre-season tour.

Arsenal have two scheduled friendlies at the Emirates Stadium in early August. The first will be on August 6 against Villarreal. On August 9, they will play Athletic Bilbao for the Emirates Cup.

Arsenal's first game of the new season will be on August 17 against Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford.