Max Dowman is just 15 years old but he’s already capturing the imagination of some of the biggest names in football. After a standout cameo in Arsenal’s pre-season win over AC Milan, the Hale End midfielder has been showered with praise from Rio Ferdinand, Declan Rice, and even Mikel Arteta.
Dowman came off the bench in Singapore and immediately looked at home, playing wide right but drifting into central spaces with confidence. He capped his performance by scoring Arsenal’s sixth penalty in the post-match shootout, showing no fear in front of thousands.
“Don’t forget that name,” Rio Ferdinand leads the praise
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back in his assessment: “Max Dowman, don’t forget that name. He’s definitely the best 15-year-old in the country, probably in Europe. Maybe the world.”
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he added: “He’s a joke. I’ve been talking about him since November. Hale End has produced another gem. Go watch what he did in the FA Youth Cup, he was unplayable. The senior players are saying ‘Woah’ in training. This kid is different.”
Ferdinand also highlighted a moment where Dowman and Declan Rice were pictured together on tour. “It looks like Rice has taken him under his wing,” he said. “There’s a different energy when young players get you off your seat and this kid does that.”
Record-breaking rise backed by elite voices inside Arsenal
Dowman has shattered age records since arriving at Arsenal. He was just 13 when he debuted for the U18s, 14 when he featured for the U21s, and became the youngest scorer in UEFA Youth League history. For England, he played in the U17 European Championship at 14 — starting every game and scoring a stunning solo goal against the Czech Republic.
Declan Rice has already called him “unreal” and “the best 15-year-old in the country,” while Mikel Arteta normally cautious with young players admitted, “Some of the things he does in training are unbelievable.” That’s not casual praise that’s belief from Arsenal’s inner circle.
Author Opinion
Forget the usual overhype warnings. Dowman isn’t a Twitter clip merchant, he’s doing it live, with the first team, at 15. When Ferdinand, Rice, and Arteta all agree on a player this young, you take notice. Hale End might have produced Saka, Nwaneri, and Smith Rowe but Max Dowman could be the most exciting of them all. Arsenal fans should get used to the name. He’s coming fast.
