Arsenal’s victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday night was already well within reach when manager Mikel Arteta decided to make a surprising substitution — introducing teenage midfielder Max Doman. That decision, made in the 72nd minute, instantly entered the record books.
At just 15 years and 308 days old, Doman became the youngest player ever to appear in the history of the UEFA Champions League. Replacing Leandro Trossard with Arsenal leading 3–0, the young midfielder spent nearly half an hour on the pitch, showcasing remarkable composure beyond his years.
The previous record had stood for five years. In 2020, German forward Youssoufa Moukoko had made his debut for Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16 years and 18 days, setting a record that many thought would last for a generation. Doman, however, has now rewritten that chapter of football history.
Doman’s rise through Arsenal’s ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2024, he joined the senior team’s training sessions for the first time at the tender age of 14. Just last week, he became the youngest player ever to start a match for Arsenal when he appeared in the League Cup against Brighton.
Now, with his Champions League debut, the English teenager has added another milestone to his rapidly growing résumé. His coach, Mikel Arteta, spoke highly of the young prodigy after the match:
“Max is an exceptional talent. What stands out most is not just his technical ability, but his intelligence and calmness under pressure. We’ll nurture him carefully — he has a brilliant future ahead.”
Doman’s early journey hints at the making of a future star, one whose progress Arsenal fans will follow with great anticipation.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player’s Name | Max Doman |
| Age | 15 years, 308 days |
| Opponent | Slavia Prague |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Previous Record Holder | Youssoufa Moukoko (16 years, 18 days) |
| Coach | Mikel Arteta |
| Record | Youngest player in Champions League history |