Arsenal’s young star Max Dowman has once again made history, becoming the youngest-ever player to start a Premier League match. The 16-year-old midfielder was included in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup for the final day clash against Crystal Palace, surpassing a record that had stood for almost twenty years.

A memorable afternoon at Selhurst Park

The 2025-26 season has been truly remarkable for Arsenal, and Dowman ensured it ended on a historic note. Taking the field from the opening whistle against Crystal Palace, Dowman—aged 16 years and 144 days—became the youngest player ever to start in a Premier League fixture. The moment was even more special as the newly-crowned champions received a guard of honour while walking out at Selhurst Park.

By achieving this, Dowman broke the previous record held by Jose Baxter, who was 16 years and 198 days old when he made his first start for Everton back in 2008.

The Arsenal academy graduate has experienced a rapid rise under Arteta, proving that age is no barrier as he celebrated alongside the first team during their title-winning festivities.

Rewriting the records

His start against Crystal Palace adds to a series of impressive milestones this season. In August 2025, Dowman became the youngest-ever player to appear in the Premier League at 15 years and 235 days. He followed that up in November by becoming the youngest player to feature in the Champions League, aged 15 years and 308 days.

In March, the teenage sensation further cemented his reputation by scoring his first Premier League goal at just 16 years and 73 days old in a memorable strike against Everton, making him the youngest scorer in league history.

Now with five domestic appearances to his name, Dowman is officially a Premier League champion, capping off a debut season most young footballers could only dream of.

Tuchel’s cautious approach

Despite his record-breaking exploits at club level, Dowman won’t yet feature in Thomas Tuchel’s immediate plans for the senior England squad. Although there were calls for the 16-year-old to be fast-tracked into the Three Lions camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel has chosen Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri instead for the senior preparation camp in Miami.

The German coach explained, “We will take some young players who will train with us in the squad size that we need, and we have two friendly matches to manage the minutes and workload of the players.”

The Gunners’ future looks bright

Dowman’s growing prominence is expected to draw even more attention as he heads into a well-earned summer break. Though he will not travel with the senior England side, his standing as a key figure in Arsenal’s long-term plans remains unquestioned.

Together with Nwaneri, the 16-year-old represents a new generation of homegrown talents ready to keep Arsenal at the top of English football. For now, Dowman can savour a record-breaking Sunday that secures his place in Premier League history.