“When I was 15, I was playing in the streets”

Arsenal attacker Gabriel Jesus is surprised with the meteoric rise of his young teammate Max Dowman, who has made a record-breaking start to his professional career.

Having come up through the ranks at the Emirates, Dowman, 15, made his senior Gunners debut in August in a 5-0 home win over promoted Leeds United. Although he didn’t record an assist, winning a penalty late in stoppage time, which was converted by summer arrival Viktor Gyokeres.

Despite not making a goal contribution, Dowman became the second youngest player to appear in the Premier League, missing his teammate Ethan Nwaneri’s mark by 54 days. Nevertheless, the youngster made more history in the 2-0 home win over Everton in March, becoming the competition’s youngest-ever goalscorer.

Earlier in the season, Dowman became the youngest player to appear in the UEFA Champions League when he featured off the bench in the Gunners’ 3-0 league phase win at Slavia Praha in November.

“Max is still 16,” said Jesus on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast (via Football London). “He started with us 15. I told you before. When I was 15, I was playing in the streets. I didn’t make it yet. It’s crazy.

“So at 15, you are playing Champions League, Premier League, it’s crazy. And I ask him after the game, he scored, I say, ‘how was school today?’ Because it was Sunday, and then Monday I say, ‘how was school today?’ And he was like, ‘no, I’m going later.’ I say, ‘oh, okay. ‘ “Because in Brazil, if this happens, it’s impossible to go to school. It’s impossible.”

In seven games across competitions this season, Dowman – who turned 16 on the last day of 2025 – has scored once.

What’s next for Arsenal?

Arsenal are in the midst of a solid season. Although their historic quadruple bid was ended by Manchester City in the EFL Cup final last month, Mikel Arteta’s side are active in three other competitions.

The Gunners return to action after the international break with a FA Cup quarter-final trip to Southampton on Saturday (April 4). Three days later, they hit the road again, travelling to Sporting CP for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.

On April 11, Arteta’s side take on AFC Bournemouth at home in the Premier League, where they are nine points clear at the top, having played a game more, hoping to end a 22-year top-flight title drought.