Arsenal wonderkid makes Champions League history as Arteta handed boost
The 16-year-old starlet made European history in Lisbon as Arsenal were handed a fresh boost.
Arsenal wonderkid makes Champions League history as Arteta handed boost originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Max Dowman etched his name into the record books once again as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
The England youth international is enjoying a breakthrough campaign, already racking up nine senior appearances in all competitions as he continues to earn the trust of his manager. Dowman, aged just 16 years and 97 days, became the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League knockout match, after he replaced Noni Madueke late on in the second half. After making his senior bow in a pre-season clash with AC Milan at 15, Dowman went on to make Premier League history with his debut against Leeds United during the 2024/25 season.
At 15 years and 235 days, he became the second-youngest player to appear in the competition, behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri. MORE: Have Arsenal ever won the UCL or European Cup? | Top scorers in UCL history He has also set another landmark, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history after a late solo strike sealed a 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium last month.
Meanwhile, the Gunners Arsenal boosted ahead of second leg Arteta's side head into the return leg in north London with another key advantage. Kai Havertz proved decisive in Lisbon, firing home a 91st-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli's assist to hand Arsenal a narrow lead. Sporting did threaten, particularly in the final third, but David Raya stood firm producing five saves, including a superb fingertip stop to deny Araujo.