Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman has smashed another big record — becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a Champions League quarter-final.The 16-year-old came on as a substitute in the 76th minute during Arsenal’s tense 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the first leg of their quarter-final in Lisbon.
Kai Havertz scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give the Gunners a slim lead to take back to the Emirates next week.Dowman, aged just 16 years and 97 days, easily beat the previous mark set by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who was 16 years and 272 days old when he featured in last season’s quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s the latest incredible milestone for the youngster.
Only last month he became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a last-gasp winner against Everton. He also holds the record as the youngest player to make his Champions League debut, coming on against Slavia Prague at just 15 years and 308 days old.
Arsenal fans are buzzing about Dowman’s rapid rise through the academy.
The club already has a pre-agreement for him to sign his first professional contract in December when he turns 17, and supporters are hoping he stays at the Emirates and continues his exciting journey there.