Most 16-year-olds spent Thursday morning staring at an exam paper and willing the clock forward. Max Dowman did exactly the same — the difference being that he had a Premier League winner's medal in his back pocket.

The Arsenal youngster was absent from first-team training at London Colney on Thursday, not through injury or a manager's decision, but because he was sitting his GCSE examinations. Two days earlier, Dowman had been part of the Gunners squad that sealed the club's first top-flight title in 22 years after second-placed Manchester City could only draw at Bournemouth — a result that handed Mikel Arteta's side the championship.

In doing so, Dowman became the youngest Premier League winner in the competition's history, a remarkable footnote to an already historic night for the red half of north London. The teenager has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, a number that would be the envy of many a senior professional, let alone a schoolboy who is not yet old enough to vote.

GCSEs, then a European Cup final

Examinations taking place this week include English language, business studies, economics and physical education — though which specific papers Dowman is sitting has not been confirmed. Whatever the subjects, it is a rather extraordinary scheduling clash that the teenager finds himself navigating.

The timing, at least, works in his favour beyond this week. Half-term arrives next week, handing Dowman a clear run to focus solely on club matters — and those matters are not exactly low-key. Arsenal face Crystal Palace away on Sunday in their final Premier League fixture before turning their full attention to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday 30 May. A trophy parade around Islington is planned for the following day, which should provide a rather different kind of revision break.

Merino return a timely boost

While Dowman was otherwise engaged with coursework, his teammates were back on the grass and Arsenal received a significant boost at training. Midfielder Mikel Merino returned to the fold after being sidelined since the end of January with a long-term foot injury. His availability ahead of the Palace game — and more pertinently the European showpiece in Munich — will be warmly welcomed by Arteta as he prepares to rotate and manage his squad through this final fortnight of the season.

The noises out of Colney suggest a relaxed but focused mood, as you might expect from a group that has just ended a two-decade wait for a league title. For Dowman, though, the celebrations will have to wait until the invigilator calls time.

It is, by any measure, an extraordinary week to be 16 years old.

What comes next for Arsenal

  • Sunday: Premier League away fixture at Crystal Palace
  • Saturday 30 May: UEFA Champions League final vs Paris Saint-Germain
  • Sunday 31 May: Trophy parade around Islington

For a teenager still working through his secondary school qualifications, the weeks ahead represent a surreal step into history — twice over.

Frequently asked

How old is Max Dowman and why is he in the news?
Max Dowman is 16 years old and plays for Arsenal. He became the youngest player ever to win the Premier League title when Arsenal were crowned champions on Tuesday, then made headlines again by sitting his GCSE exams just two days later.
When is Arsenal's Champions League final?
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday 30 May, followed by a trophy parade around Islington the next day.
Who is the youngest Premier League winner ever?
Max Dowman of Arsenal is now the youngest player in Premier League history to be part of a title-winning squad, achieving the feat at the age of 16 during the 2025-26 season.