Max Dowman set to become Premier League's youngest starter

Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman is poised to make history as the youngest player to start a Premier League match. When the Gunners face Crystal Palace, Dowman will be aged 16 years and 144 days.

This achievement sees him surpass the long-standing record held by Jose Baxter, who started for Everton in 2008 at the age of 16 years and 198 days.

Dowman has already accumulated a series of records this season. He became the youngest Premier League winner after Arsenal clinched the title, and in November 2025, he set the record as the youngest player to feature in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days. His domestic debut came in August 2025 at 15 years and 235 days, and he remains the youngest scorer in the league following his strike against Everton in March.

The upcoming match at Selhurst Park will see the Arsenal squad receive a guard of honour from Crystal Palace.