Key Takeaways:
- Max Dowman has signed a preliminary agreement with Arsenal and will ink his professional contract upon turning 17 at the end of the year
- Dowman has made history as the second youngest Premier League player and the youngest Arsenal starter in the Carabao Cup
- At just 15 years and 308 days, Dowman became the youngest footballer to appear in the UEFA Champions League
Major Step for Arsenal’s Prodigy
Max Dowman, widely regarded as Arsenal’s most promising academy graduate to date, has committed his future to the club by signing a preliminary contract. With his seventeenth birthday approaching later this year, Dowman is poised to put pen to paper on a professional deal as soon as he becomes eligible.
Dowman’s skill set allows him to operate both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, with notable technical ability, attacking creativity, and versatility. These qualities have cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects within English football.
We are delighted to announce that Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in December.
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2026
Record-Breaking Early Career
Dowman, who joined the Arsenal academy at the age of eight, has already achieved a string of remarkable milestones in his youth career. In August 2025, he made his senior debut during a commanding 5-0 victory over Leeds, becoming the second youngest player in Premier League history.
Just two months later, in October, Dowman entered the starting line-up for the fourth round Carabao Cup match against Brighton at 15 years and 302 days of age, setting a new record as the youngest ever Arsenal starter.
| Competition | Opponent | Date | Age | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Leeds | August 2025 | 15 years, 235 days | Second youngest Premier League player |
| Carabao Cup (Round 4) | Brighton | October 2025 | 15 years, 302 days | Youngest Arsenal starter |
| UEFA Champions League | Slavia Prague | November 2025 | 15 years, 308 days | Youngest player in competition history |
Dowman’s Reflections and Next Steps
“This contract means everything to me and my family. We all support Arsenal, and I truly feel that I belong here. I would like to thank all my coaches, teammates, and most importantly – my family and friends, who helped me reach the place where I am today.
I’ve spent my whole life at the club, so this really means a lot. It’s incredible to have role models so close by, who have experienced the same as I have. Now I’m excited to keep working hard on my development,” said Dowman.
Dowman’s progression through the Arsenal youth ranks and his historic debut in top competitions underscore his status as one of the brightest prospects in English football. With a professional contract on the horizon, both fans and analysts will be watching his development closely.
