Arsenal academy star, 14, sets new UEFA Youth League goalscoring record

What an achievement.

Sep 19, 2024 - 20:00

Arsenal academy star, 14, sets new UEFA Youth League goalscoring record

Max Dowman celebrates scoring goal for Arsenal with Theo Julienne during the UEFA Youth League match between Atalanta BC U19 and Arsenal U19 at Stadio Comunale di Caravaggio on September 19, 2024 in Caravaggio, Italy — Max Dowman scored as Arsenal were beaten by Atalanta in the UEFA Youth League (Getty)

Arsenal academy midfielder Max Dowman has made history by becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League at just 14 years old.

Dowman found the net in Bergamo on Thursday afternoon but Arsenal were on the receiving end of a 4-1 defeat to Atalanta.

But by getting on the scoresheet, Dowman overtakes Youssoufa Moukoko to become the youngest scorer in the competition at the age of 14 years, eight months and 19 days.

Moukoko, who is currently on loan at French side Nice, initially set the record whilst playing for Borussia Dortmund in October 2019.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is currently sixth on the list of youngest scorers in the UEFA Youth League.

Max Dowman of Arsenal takes on Federico Steffanoni of Atalanta during the UEFA Youth League match between Atalanta BC U19 and Arsenal U19 at Stadio Comunale di Caravaggio on September 19, 2024 in Caravaggio, Italy. — Max Dowman, 14, is regarded as one of Arsenal’s brightest academy prospects ( Getty)

Dowman is rated one of Arsenal’s brightest academy prospects and has played for the Under-18s on nine occasions this year.

He also represented England at Under-17 level during the international break.

UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE YOUNGEST GOALSCORERS

Max Dowman – 14 years, 8 months and 19 days
Youssoufa Moukoko – 14 years, 11 months and 3 days
Rayan Cherki – 15 years, 1 month and 2 days
Naci Unuvar – 15 years, 3 months and 6 days
Sander Evjen-Brostrom – 15 years, 4 months and 9 days
Ryan Gravenberch – 15 years, 4 months and 10 days
Francesco Camarda – 15 years, 6 months and 9 days
Luka Vuskovic – 15 years, 7 months and 10 days

Earlier this year, Dowman was offered the chance to train with Arsenal’s first-team squad.

And the young midfielder earned high praise from his coach and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

‘There’s always a concern when fielding such a young player in these matches, but if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,’ Wilshere said.

‘He can be more consistent but he’s only 14 and hasn’t even started his GCSEs yet.

‘We need to find a balance of letting him play and enjoy because of his age but also trying to get as much work into him as we can.’

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