Sophia
In a stunning display of faith and foresight, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has included 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman in the club’s UEFA Champions League List A squad for the 2025–26 campaign. This audacious decision has sent ripples through the football world, signaling Arsenal’s deep belief in the prodigious talent emerging from their Hale End academy.
A Meteoric Rise for the Teenage Sensation
Dowman, widely lauded as one of England’s most exciting young talents, has enjoyed a meteoric rise. While he had already captivated attention in the youth ranks, his inclusion in Arsenal’s pre-season tour this summer truly brought him into the spotlight. After an impressive showing against Newcastle United, the 15-year-old made his Premier League debut off the bench in Gameweek 2 against Leeds United.
In a moment that showcased his composure and skill, Dowman won a crucial penalty in the second half, which Viktor Gyökeres duly converted for his second goal of the day. This impactful cameo solidified his burgeoning reputation.
Champions League Beckons: A Record in Sight?
Named as a midfielder, Dowman has also demonstrated versatility, operating on the right flank in place of Bukayo Saka during pre-season. His technical quality and dazzling dribbling have already earned him plaudits from footballing legends, with Rio Ferdinand reportedly hailing him as a “top talent.”
Should Dowman feature in a Champions League match before his birthday on December 31st, he would etch his name into the history books as the first 15-year-old to play in the competition. The current record for the youngest debutant is held by Youssoufa Moukoko, who played for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at 16 years old. There are no age restrictions in the Champions League, paving the way for Dowman to potentially break this impressive record.
Arteta’s Unwavering Trust in Youth
Mikel Arteta’s decision to include Dowman in the List A squad for the Champions League speaks volumes about his confidence in the youngster. While the Europa League and Conference League often provide platforms for fringe and academy players, the Champions League typically features established first-team talent. With challenging league phase encounters against formidable opponents like Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan on the horizon, Arsenal might eye the home game against Olympiacos as a potential stage for Dowman’s historic debut.
Even if his debut comes after his birthday, the experience gained from being part of such an elite squad will be invaluable for the talented teenager. Arteta has a proven track record of nurturing and integrating academy prospects, famously handing Ethan Nwaneri his Premier League debut three seasons ago, making him the youngest player in the league’s history.
This move mirrors the paths taken by Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri last season, who established themselves as first-team regulars after gaining crucial experience in European competitions.
Arsenal’s Champions League Squad: List A
Here is Arsenal’s full List A squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign:
- Goalkeepers: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford
- Defenders: William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Piero Hincapié, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori
- Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, Christian Nørgaard, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Max Dowman
- Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres
Where Are Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri?
Fans might notice the absence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri from the List A squad. Both players qualify for Arsenal’s List B squad. UEFA regulations state that List B players must be born on or after January 1, 2004, and have been eligible to play for the club for at least two years since their 15th birthday. Three years with one loan period to a club in the same association also fulfills this requirement.
Mikel Arteta’s continued commitment to integrating academy talent into the first team is a testament to the club’s long-term vision. With Max Dowman now on the cusp of European football, the future looks incredibly bright for Arsenal and its burgeoning young stars.
