Max Dowman has written his name into Premier League history — again. The Arsenal midfielder takes to the pitch at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Sunday as the youngest player ever to start a top-flight match in England, at just 16 years and 144 days old.

The record had stood for the best part of two decades. Jose Baxter, then of Everton, had held it since 2008, making his first league start at 16 years and 198 days. It took a generational talent to shift him from the history books, and Dowman has done exactly that.

A record-collector at 16

Dowman is fast becoming one of the most decorated teenagers in Premier League history, and the season is not yet over. The landmarks have been coming thick and fast since he broke into Mikel Arteta's first team last summer.

  • August 2025: Made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 235 days — the youngest player to appear in the competition.
  • November 2025: Became the youngest player in Champions League history at 15 years and 308 days.
  • March 2026: Netted against Everton at 16 years and 73 days to become the Premier League's youngest scorer.
  • May 2026: Part of the Arsenal squad that clinched the Premier League title, picking up a winner's medal as the competition's youngest champion.

Sunday's start against Palace adds the youngest-starter record to that collection. Five league appearances are required to qualify for a medal, and Dowman has now surpassed that threshold.

Guard of honour to cap a title-winning afternoon

The context made the occasion all the more striking. Arsenal arrived at Selhurst Park as confirmed champions, with Crystal Palace lining up to give them a guard of honour before kick-off — a fitting backdrop for Dowman to mark another milestone in what is already a remarkable debut campaign.

The noises out of the Emirates throughout this season have painted Dowman as a player the club regard as genuinely special, and Arteta has shown little hesitation in throwing him into the deep end at the highest level. Champions League football, a title run-in, and now a record-breaking start — the teenager has handled each step with a composure that belies his age.

What comes next?

With the Premier League title wrapped up, attention will inevitably turn to how Arsenal manage Dowman's development over the coming seasons. He has his GCSEs this week — a reminder, if one were needed, that there is a 16-year-old behind the headlines. But on the pitch, he is already operating in rarefied air.

Baxter held his record for 18 years. On current form, it is hard to imagine anyone catching Dowman any time soon.

Frequently asked

How old is Max Dowman?
Max Dowman is 16 years and 144 days old as of his record-breaking start against Crystal Palace on 25 May 2026.
Who held the record for youngest Premier League starter before Dowman?
Jose Baxter held the record since 2008 when, as an Everton player, he made his first Premier League start at 16 years and 198 days old.
What other records does Max Dowman hold?
Dowman is the Premier League's youngest player, youngest scorer, and youngest winner, as well as the youngest player to appear in the Champions League — all records set during the 2025-26 season.