Max Dowman: Arsenal teenager pre-agrees professional contract for when he turns 17 in December
Arsenal teen Max Dowman signs a pre-agreement for a professional contract that comes into effect on his 17th birthday on December 31; Dowman became Arsenal's youngest-ever starter in October aged just 15 years and 302 days; he is also the youngest player in Champions League history
Friday 30 January 2026 12:17, UK
Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after the Arsenal starlet signed a pre-agreement for a professional contract when he turns 17 in December.
The 16-year-old's professional contract comes into effect on his 17th birthday on December 31.
The deal commits the winger's long-term future to the club following his first-team breakthrough this season.
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Aged just 15 years and 302 days, Dowman became Arsenal's youngest-ever starter after being named in the line-up that defeated Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round in October - the same month the England youth international signed Arsenal scholarship terms.
Then a month later, he became the youngest player in Champions League history (15 years 308 days) after a substitute appearance in Arsenal's win at Slavia Prague.
In August, Dowman became the second-youngest player to appear in both the Premier League and for Arsenal (15 years 235 days) behind Gunners team-mate Ethan Nwaneri (15 years 181 days).
Dowman came off the bench for his debut in August's home win over Leeds and has made five senior appearances in all competitions.
When asked where Dowman sat among academy players he had seen come through the ranks, Arteta, who was on Barcelona's books at the same time as Messi, said: "Well, certainly one of the best.
"What he has done with us, me personally, I haven't seen before. Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona - but maybe not even that.
"He has a certain charisma as well and personality. He doesn't get overwhelmed, whether it's by the situation or the stadium or the opposition and that's a huge quality to have.
"The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. It's now down to him and us to build an amazing career."
Dowman said: "This means everything to me and my family.
"We all support Arsenal and I really feel like I belong here. I'd like to thank all my coaches, teammates and, most importantly, my family and friends, who have got me to where I am today.
"I've been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot. There's such a clear pathway here, players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo [Saka], Myles [Lewis-Skelley] and Ethan [Nwaneri], who all really inspire me.
"It's amazing to have role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have. I'm now so excited to continue to work hard with my development."
Dowman has not appeared for Arteta's side since early November after picking up an ankle injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly in December.
With a professional contract pre-agreed, Dowman will now look to return from injury this season to break another Arsenal record.
If he scores this campaign, he will become their youngest-ever goal scorer, surpassing Cesc Fabregas' record of scoring aged 16 years and 212 days in December 2003.
Analysis: Dowman a star of the future… and the present?
Sky Sports' Nick Wright:
As one of the most exciting young players in Europe, Dowman's commitment to Arsenal is a huge boost to the club. He is at the very beginning of his career but the excitement is understandable, given the performances he has already delivered at senior level.
"If you looked at his passport every day, you would never play him, simple as that," said Arteta in October. "But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him. If not, you are blind." Dowman made Champions League history just a few days later.
He has been sidelined by injury lately. But clearly, he is viewed as someone who can contribute in the present as well as the future. Arsenal's attack has faltered lately. Had he been fit, the electrifying Dowman might have brought something different.
His time might come sooner rather than later.
