Arsenal star hailed as ‘special player’ by John Terry breaks record with stunning goal 

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal starlet Max Dowman continues to attract widespread acclaim after delivering a record-breaking display for England in the UEFA Under-17 European Championship.

The 15-year-old midfielder was the standout performer in England’s 4-2 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, showcasing his immense talent with a goal, an assist, and a man-of-the-match performance. Despite the win, the Three Lions were eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.

Dowman opened the scoring with a breathtaking solo effort that underlined his status as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. Collecting the ball out wide, he outfoxed the Czech full-back with a dazzling piece of skill before stunning everyone by curling a shot past the goalkeeper from an acute angle. At just 15 years, four months and 26 days old, Dowman became the youngest ever goalscorer in UEFA Under-17 Euros history.

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The Arsenal academy gem wasn’t finished there. He later delivered a sensational assist for England’s second goal, dictating play from midfield before threading an inch-perfect through ball to Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, who coolly finished. Throughout the match, Dowman was a constant menace, weaving through defenders with remarkable ease and confidence. A highlight reel of his performance quickly went viral on social media.

Max Dowman at it again. He’s absolutely ridiculous.

The 15-year-old will be slowly integrated into the first-team next season. pic.twitter.com/s7fq7lHI3n

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 26, 2025

Dowman, who has already trained with Arsenal’s first team, is expected to be involved in the Gunners’ pre-season preparations this summer.

Praise has poured in from across the footballing world. Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry previously lauded the youngster after witnessing him dominate Chelsea’s youth side.

“He is a top, top player,” Terry said. “He was taking the ball on the half-turn, drifting away from players. A couple of our boys tried to put it on him, but he handled it brilliantly. Dowman is a very, very good player.”

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice also spoke highly of Dowman while urging caution and consistency.

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“At 15, there is such a long way to go,” Rice said. “You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be the best at 18. You need to stay hungry, keep working, and keep pushing.”

“I speak to Max a lot, and he has such a good family around him. He is unreal.”

With performances like these, Dowman is quickly cementing his reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in English football—and Arsenal fans will be watching his development with great anticipation.

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