Dowman was born on 31 December 2009 in Chelmsford, Essex.[2] He grew up in a family of Arsenal supporters.[3]
Club career
Dowman joined the youth academy of Arsenal in 2015,[4] following time in the youth set-up at Billericay Town.[5] He started playing with their Arsenal U18s in September 2023 at the age of 13.[6][7] On 19 September 2024, Dowman scored in the Arsenal U19's UEFA Youth League match against Atalanta at the age of 14 years, eight months, and 19 days. He therefore became the youngest goal-scorer in the competition's history.[8][9][10] In December 2024, after becoming the youngest ever Premier League 2 player at 14 years old,[11] he began training with the first team,[12] with the intention to become part of the first-team squad during the 2025–26 season.[citation needed]
On 23 July 2025, he made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against AC Milan aged 15 years old in Singapore.[13] On 23 August, Dowman made his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute for Arsenal in the 64th minute of their match against Leeds United, becoming the second youngest player in the league's history at 15 years and 235 days, behind only his teammate, Ethan Nwaneri.[14] He won a penalty for his team in the third minute of stoppage time, helping Arsenal score their fifth goal in a 5–0 victory over Leeds United.[15] Owing to his age, he is obliged to be chaperoned whilst with the team and is not allowed to change in the main dressing room under FA safeguarding regulations.[16]
On 29 October 2025, Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter when he was named in the startingXI for the fourth round of the EFL Cup 2025–26 against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium, aged 15 years and 302 days, breaking the previous club record set by goalkeeper Jack Porter (16 years and 72 days).[17][18] He played approximately 71 minutes, being substituted in the 71st minute for Bukayo Saka, as Arsenal secured a 2–0 victory to advance to the quarter‑finals.[19] During the match, Dowman stood out for his dribbling, courage and composure, drawing praise from manager Mikel Arteta who noted that "For him, everything is natural, for him everything is OK. It is the way he plays. That's the secret, that he doesn't make a big fuss of it. He just does what he does best which is to play football with a lot of courage and determination."[20]
Dowman made his U19 debut during a 2-0 win over Ukraine at Pinatar Arena on 3 September 2025.[24] Dowman became the youngest-ever goalscorer for the England u-19 side, beating Ryan Sessegnon’s record from 2016. The teenager then came off in the 67th minute, with England still cruising at 4-0.[25]
Style of play
Comfortable playing in a number of positions, Dowman has been used as an attacking midfielder and as a traditional '10' for Arsenal's youth teams, but can also play as a right winger. He is skilful, energetic and naturally gifted in the final third and is able to cut defences with a precise and accurate pass.[7][26] Technically, Dowman's set-piece delivery stands out. He's already been entrusted with corner and free-kick duties at youth level.[27] Arsenal youth team coach Gustavo Oliveira labelled Dowman the "next Kaká".[28]
Career statistics
As of match played 29 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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