Arsenal Wonderkid Max Dowman Shatters Club History with Stunning Carabao Cup Breakthrough

Arsenal Wonderkid Max Dowman Shatters Club History with Stunning Carabao Cup Breakthrough

Max Dowman has etched his name into Arsenal's record books by becoming the club's youngest-ever starter after being selected in Mikel Arteta's starting eleven for the Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The young talent has already accumulated three senior appearances totaling 54 minutes for Arsenal this season following a standout preseason showing, with two outings coming in Premier League action and another in the Carabao Cup third round triumph over Port Vale.

Manager Arteta has implemented wholesale changes from Saturday's Premier League success against Crystal Palace for Wednesday's cup encounter with Brighton, with Dowman earning his maiden start at the senior level.

By featuring in the starting lineup, Dowman establishes himself as the youngest starter in Arsenal's storied history at merely 15 years and 302 days old, surpassing the previous benchmark held by academy product Jack Porter from last season's Carabao Cup—the keeper made his senior bow against Bolton Wanderers aged 16 years and 72 days.

Dowman, anticipated to secure his long-term future with Arsenal, already holds the distinction of being the second-youngest Premier League debutant in history, trailing only clubmate Ethan Nwaneri, and may establish numerous additional milestones before the 2025–26 campaign reaches its conclusion.

Arsenal's Youngest Ever Starters

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