Max Dowman proves he’s as good as everyone says with an amazing performance for Arsenal.
Max Dowman really showed he’s something special with an amazing performance in Arsenal’s pre-season game against Girona.
At just 16 years old, Max impressed everyone last season, especially when he scored a goal against Everton and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history. He also became the youngest player to win the Premier League after playing six times, and it looks like he’s ready to make an even bigger splash next season.
In the game against Girona, Dowman started and made an incredible assist for the first goal. He got the ball on the right side, stayed strong under pressure, and then skillfully dribbled past two opponents before sending a perfect pass to Kai Havertz who scored. It was a moment even Lionel Messi would admire, showing why Max is getting so much excitement around him.
Later, Dowman scored Arsenal’s third goal by cutting in from the right and placing a nice shot near the post. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) loved it, saying things like, “Max Dowman is a gem. Absolute baller,” and “He’s going to be a superstar at just 16!” Others called him “Arsenal’s very own” and urged the club to give him a long contract.
Because Max is still only 16, he has to follow special rules and can’t change with the older players at training, since players under 18 must use a separate changing room. He also hasn’t signed a professional contract yet because he has to wait until he’s 17 to do that. But back in January 2026, he signed a pre-contract agreement, so he’ll officially go pro on his 17th birthday, New Year’s Eve.
Max has been with Arsenal since he was eight, moving from Billericay Town. Talking about his contract earlier this year, he said, “I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this means a lot. There’s a clear path here, with players like Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri who inspire me because they’ve come through the academy too.”
He’s now listed as a scholar for the first half of the season before his pro deal kicks in. Despite being small in size, his amazing dribbling skills have drawn comparisons to Messi, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called him “certainly one of the best talents” he’s coached.