Max Dowman Sets Astonishing Arsenal Record in Carabao Cup Tie

15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman has already impressed at senior level with Arsenal.

Max Dowman has made Arsenal history. | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Max Dowman has become the youngest starter in Arsenal history after being named in Mikel Arteta’s XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Dowman has already made three senior appearances over 54 minutes for the Gunners this term after an impressive preseason campaign, two of which have come in the Premier League and the other arriving in the third round Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

Arteta has made sweeping changes from the weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League for Wednesday’s cup duel with Brighton, with Dowman entering the Arsenal lineup for the first time at senior level.

Dowman’s presence in the makes him the youngest starter in the club’s illustrious history at just 15 years and 302 days, beating the previous record set by fellow academy graduate Jack Porter in the Carabao Cup last term—the goalkeeper making his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers at 16 years and 72 days.

Dowman, expected to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, is already the second-youngest appearance-maker in Premier League history, beaten only by teammate Ethan Nwaneri, and could set plenty of more records before the 2025–26 season concludes.

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Arsenal’s Youngest Ever Starters

Player	Date of Start	Age
Max Dowman	October 2025	15 years, 302 days
Jack Porter	September 2024	16 years, 72 days
Cesc Fàbregas	October 2003	16 years, 177 days
Jack Wilshere	September 2008	16 years, 266 days
Gerry Ward	August 1953	16 years, 321 days
David O’Leary	August 1975	17 years, 106 days
Serge Gnabry	October 2012	17 years, 108 days
Arturo Lopoli	October 2004	17 years, 125 days
Richie Powling	October 1973	17 years, 159 days
Ethan Nwaneri	September 2024	17 years, 188 days

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