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 during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
The 16-year-old midfielder was introduced late on, replacing Noni Madueke in the second half, where his brief involvement once again etched his name into the history books.
Dowman, aged just 16 years and 97 days, became the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League knockout match.
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.
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.
Crucially, Sporting will be without striker Luis Suarez for the second leg at the Emirates after his suspension.
The forward, signed last summer to replace Viktor Gyokeres, has been a standout performer with 33 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances.
He has also impressed in Europe, contributing five goals and two assists, including a brace in a shock 2-1 victory over holders Paris Saint-Germain.
His absence is a blow for the Portuguese side, with Fotis Ioannidis also sidelined through injury, responsibility is likely to fall on academy graduate Rafael Nel.
The 21-year-old, who has cited Gyokeres as a major influence, has limited top-level experience, making just five appearances this season and scoring twice.
Arsenal fixture schedule: Next five games
- Arsenal vs. Bournemouth | Premier League | Saturday, April 11
- Arsenal vs. Sporting CP | Champions League quarterfinal, second leg | Wednesday, April 15
- Man City vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Sunday, April 19
- Arsenal vs. Newcastle | Premier League | Saturday, April 25
- Arsenal vs. Fulham | Premier League | Saturday, May 02
About the Author
