Teenage football dreams rarely move this fast. At just 16, Arsenal’s rising midfielder, Max Dowman, has written his name into Premier League history after becoming the youngest player ever to win the title.
Dowman achieved the feat at 16 years and 144 days, overtaking Phil Foden, who previously held the record after winning the league with Manchester City at 17 years and 350 days.
The teenager, who featured enough times this season to qualify for a winner’s medal, was among the 40 Arsenal players and staff to receive the commemorative award after meeting the appearance requirement.
His latest achievement adds another milestone to what has already been a remarkable breakthrough campaign.
Dowman had earlier become the youngest Premier League goalscorer after scoring a solo strike in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton FC in January at 16 years and 73 days.
He also made history again on the final day of the season when he became the youngest starter in Premier League history after being named in Arsenal’s starting XI at Selhurst Park.
Below are the next 10 youngest players to win the Premier League, having made at least five appearances in a title-winning campaign:
1. Phil Foden – 17 years, 350 days (Man City, 2017/18)
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Foden was previously the youngest player to win a Premier League title, having made his record-clinching fifth appearance in Manchester City’s final game of the
2017/18 season against Southampton FC.
He was on the pitch for Gabriel Jesus’ stoppage-time winner in a game that helped City finish with a record 100 points. His first Premier League assist came for Sergio Agüero in a 5-1 win over Leicester City FC in February 2018.
2. Rico Lewis – 18 years, 188 days (Man City, 2022/23)
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Rico Lewis earned 10 league starts during Manchester City’s title-winning season after making his first start in a 3-1 victory over Leeds United FC. Manager Pep Guardiola later described his impact as “extraordinary.”
3. Brahim Díaz – 18 years, 283 days (Man City, 2017/18)
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Brahim Díaz became the first Moroccan player to win a Premier League title after making his fifth appearance during City’s victory against Southampton.
4. Gaël Clichy – 18 years, 294 days (Arsenal, 2003/04)
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Gaël Clichy held the record for 14 years before Foden overtook him. He served as backup to Ashley Cole during Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” campaign.
5. Rafael da Silva – 18 years, 319 days (Man Utd, 2008/09)
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Rafael da Silva played over 1,000 league minutes for Manchester United FC during the 2008/09 season and scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal.
6. Nicolas Anelka – 19 years, 57 days (Arsenal, 1997/98)
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Nicolas Anelka, one of manager Arsène Wenger’s first signings, played a major role in Arsenal’s Premier League and FA Cup double.
7. Neco Williams – 19 years, 104 days (Liverpool, 2019/20)
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Neco Williams featured in defensive roles as Liverpool FC secured the 2019/20 title.
8. Phil Neville – 19 years, 105 days (Man Utd, 1995/96)
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Phil Neville was part of Manchester United’s young squad that famously proved critics wrong after pundit Alan Hansen said, “You can’t win anything with kids.”
9. Ryan Giggs – 19 years, 161 days (Man Utd, 1992/93)
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Ryan Giggs played a major role as Manchester United became the inaugural Premier League champions.
10. Curtis Jones – 19 years, 178 days (Liverpool, 2019/20)
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Curtis Jones completes the list after helping Liverpool lift the league title and scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa FC.
For many young football fans, Dowman’s rise is another reminder that age sometimes matters less than preparation, opportunity and confidence when talent meets the right moment.
Credit: ThePunch
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