Arteta Backs Rising Star Max Dowman in Bold Arsenal Gamble
Arsenal revealed their UEFA Champions League roster for the 2025–26 season on Wednesday, with one particular name drawing significant attention: Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old academy graduate from Hale End was included in Arsenal's List A squad for the tournament. Dowman earns the chance to compete at Europe's premier football stage, following in the footsteps of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, who made similar breakthroughs last season and became established first-team players.
Dowman had been making waves in the youth system last season but was selected to join Arsenal's preseason tour. Following an impressive showing against Newcastle United, the teenager made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Leeds United in the second match of the season. Dowman earned a penalty in the second half, which Viktor Gyökeres converted for his second goal of the match.
Dowman, registered as a midfielder, has been deployed on the right wing as cover for Bukayo Saka during the summer period. He has received acclaim for his technical abilities and ball-carrying skills, with prominent figures like Rio Ferdinand already identifying him as an exceptional prospect.
Should Dowman feature in a match before his birthday on Dec. 31, he would become the youngest player ever to compete in the Champions League at age 15. The competition has no minimum age requirements, with Youssoufa Moukoko currently holding the record as the youngest debutant when he represented Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at 16 years old.
By including Dowman in the squad, manager Mikel Arteta demonstrates his confidence in the young player's abilities. While Europa League and Conference League matches have traditionally provided opportunities for squad players and academy prospects, the Champions League typically features established first-team personnel.
With high-profile league phase fixtures against Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on the schedule, Arsenal might consider the home encounter with Olympiacos as a potential debut opportunity for Dowman to claim that historic record. Regardless of timing, even if it occurs after his birthday, invaluable experience awaits the promising youngster.
Furthermore, Arteta has consistently shown willingness to promote academy talent. The Spanish manager famously handed Nwaneri his Premier League debut three seasons ago, a milestone that remains the youngest appearance by any player in the competition's history.
Arsenal's Champions League Squad: List A
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford
Defenders: William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Piero Hincapié, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, Christian Nørgaard, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Max Dowman
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres
Why Are Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri Not in Arsenal's Champions League Squad?
Both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are eligible for Arsenal's List B squad, explaining their absence from this roster.
List B players must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2004 and have been registered with the club for two years since turning 15. Alternatively, three years of registration with one loan spell to a club within the same association also meets the criteria.