EA Sports FC 26 Snubs Rising Star Max Dowman - Here's Why

Max Dowman is already being hailed as a future star as he continues his remarkable breakthrough campaign with Arsenal.

The 15-year-old has shown flashes of his enormous talent during the pre-season period and has become a regular substitute option for Mikel Arteta in the early stages of the 2025–26 season. The potential appears limitless for Arsenal's latest prodigy.

Fans hoping to utilize Dowman's abilities and promise in the newly launched EA Sports FC 26 will face disappointment, though, as the talented youngster is absent from the game's player roster.

So, what's the reason behind Dowman's exclusion from EA FC 26?

Why Is Max Dowman Not in EA FC 26?

Dowman's exclusion from the newest version of the game is due to his youth. As an established unofficial policy, EA FC typically excludes players younger than 17 since they cannot legally sign professional contracts according to FIFA's and the United Kingdom's regulations.

Dowman isn't the sole prominent player missing from recent EA FC editions, with Lamine Yamal absent from EA FC 24 due to being under 17 at that time.

He's also not the only significant omission from this year's edition. Neymar represents perhaps the most shocking absence from the database, with the legendary Santos striker unavailable since Brazilian leagues aren't featured in EA FC 26.

Raphaël Varane, Dries Mertens, Roberto Firmino and Amel Majri are among other notable players missing from the title as well.

When Will Max Dowman Be Added to EA FC?

Since Dowman won't reach 17 until December 31, 2026, the Arsenal prospect won't appear in EA FC 26 during any part of the game's lifecycle. He will also remain too young for inclusion in EA FC 27's initial roster, as the game's launch—almost certainly in late September or early October—will precede his 17th birthday.

Nevertheless, following the pattern with other players in recent editions, Dowman might be incorporated in the winter roster update for EA FC 27. Given the youngster's rapid progression, he could receive an outstanding rating upon his game debut.