Arsenal fans witnessed history on Saturday when 16-year-old Max Dowman scored in a 2-0 win over Everton to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history. The teenage winger produced a stunning stoppage-time moment that instantly put him in the league record books.
Dowman reached the milestone at 16 years and 73 days, breaking a record that had stood since 2005. Everton’s James Vaughan previously held the mark after scoring at 16 years and 270 days against Crystal Palace.
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The goal came in just Dowman’s third Premier League appearance of the season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned to the youngster in the 74th minute with the game still goalless, trusting the teenager to make an impact.
Dowman first helped spark the move that led to Viktor Gyokeres’ 89th-minute opener before producing his own moment of magic in stoppage time.
The teenager collected the ball near midfield, slipped past two Everton players and sprinted away from the halfway line. With goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stranded in the box after taking a late corner, Dowman calmly finished into an empty net to seal the win.
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After the match, Arteta revealed that the decision to introduce Dowman came from instinct.
“I probably had a feeling in my head,” Arteta said, explaining why he brought in the teenager.
The Arsenal manager added that Dowman’s mentality makes him stand out even at such a young age.
“He doesn’t seem to be affected by the occasion or the opponent. He just plays naturally, makes decisions and tries to make things happen. What he did today was unbelievable,” Arteta said.
“I told him to go do his thing and try to win the game for us. These are the moments in the season when something special has to happen,” he added.
Dowman’s goal also put him at the top of one of the Premier League’s most impressive lists.
Youngest goalscorers in the Premier League
- 2026 – Arsenal: Max Dowman (16 years 73 days)
- 2005 – Everton: James Vaughan (16 years 270 days)
- 2002 – Leeds United: James Milner (16 years 356 days)
- 2002 – Everton: Wayne Rooney (16 years 360 days)
- 2025 – Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha (16 years 361 days)
- 2004 – Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas (17 years 113 days)
- 1997 – Liverpool: Michael Owen (17 years 143d)
- 1992 – Tottenham Hotspur: Andy Turner (17 years 166 days)
- 2009 – Manchester United: Federico Macheda (17 years 226 days)
- 2023 – Newcastle United: Lewis Miley (17 years 229 days)
HOW WAS MAX DOWMAN’S CAREER?
Max Dowman’s rise at Arsenal has been swift and eye-catching.
The young winger first trained with the senior team aged just 14 and immediately caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and the coaching staff. His first taste of the first team came during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai and before long he was regularly attending senior training sessions – even while still at school.
There are still small reminders that he is only 16. Due to Premier League under-18 regulations, Dowman cannot use the senior dressing room and instead changes into his Arsenal gear in a separate dressing room before training and matches.
Dowman also made a strong impression during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia. He played in games against AC Milan and Newcastle, even winning penalties against Newcastle and Villarreal, showing the kind of confidence rarely seen in someone his age.
He already made the record books earlier this season by becoming the youngest player to start in the Champions League at the age of 15 years and 308 days, coming on as a substitute against Slavia Prague.
Arteta has often spoken highly of the teenager, praising his natural ability and composure on the ball. The Arsenal boss noted how Dowman plays without fear and always tries to influence the game.
Arsenal also moved quickly in January to secure a long-term future. The club have agreed a preliminary contract that will allow Dowman to sign professional terms once he turns 17 on December 31.
The 16-year-old is still balancing school life with football at the highest level. But after his record-breaking goal against Everton, it already looks like Arsenal could have another special talent on their hands.
Arsenal currently enjoy a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table over second-placed Manchester City as the season enters a crucial phase. With the Gunners closer than ever to ending their long wait for the Premier League title, Dowman’s arrival on the big stage could provide another boost to their momentum.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 16, 2026 12:17 PM IST
