Max Dowman Shatters Champions League Records in Stunning European Debut

Max Dowman has etched his name into Champions League folklore by becoming the competition's youngest-ever participant after entering as a substitute during Arsenal's encounter with Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

The talented youngster had a standout pre-season campaign with the Gunners and has been consistently utilized by Mikel Arteta in official matches this season, marking his fifth competitive outing in the fixture against Slavia Prague.

Dowman already holds the distinction of being Arsenal's second-youngest player and the Premier League's second-youngest debutant following his involvement in the club's commanding 5–0 victory over Leeds United in August—trailing only teammate Ethan Nwaneri—though he continues to wait for his maiden senior starting opportunity with the north London club.

At just 15 years and 308 days old, the Arsenal prodigy has now secured his place as the youngest individual to ever participate in a Champions League fixture, making him the sole player under 16 to compete in Europe's premier tournament.

The milestone was previously owned by Youssoufa Moukoko, who took the field for Borussia Dortmund against Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2020 at 16 years and 18 days old. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal narrowly missed surpassing Moukoko when he appeared against Royal Antwerp in 2023.

Former Chelsea player Celestine Babayoro occupies fourth place in the historical rankings after representing Anderlecht at 16 years and 68 days, while Manchester City's latest signing Rayan Cherki holds fifth position following his Champions League debut for Lyon against Zenit in 2019.

Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans and Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery feature among other prominent names in the top 10, alongside former Barcelona prospect Alen Halilović, who couldn't fulfill his enormous promise despite early predictions of greatness.

Dowman still has ample opportunity to claim the youngest Champions League goalscorer record despite failing to score against Slavia Prague, with the current benchmark set by Ansu Fati following his goal for Barcelona at 17 years and 40 days.

Youngest Ever Appearance Makers in the Champions League