Max Dowman made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League. The 16-year-old Arsenal winger struck in stoppage time to seal a 2–0 win over Everton, breaking the record previously held by former Everton striker James Vaughan by nearly 200 days. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the goal as “a phenomenal moment.”
Here Insightlinks takes a look back at some of the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorers:
1. Max Dowman – 16 years, 73 days
Dowman entered the match with the score still 0–0 and helped change the game’s momentum. After teammate Viktor Gyökeres opened the scoring, Dowman sprinted the length of the pitch to tap into an empty net, securing a vital win for Arsenal. It was only his third Premier League appearance and his first senior goal.
2. James Vaughan – 16 years, 270 days
Vaughan made his Everton debut as a substitute against Crystal Palace in 2005, scoring within 13 minutes. Despite a career hampered by injuries, Vaughan later played for Norwich, Huddersfield, Sunderland, and ended at Tranmere in 2021.
3. James Milner – 16 years, 356 days
Milner became the youngest Premier League scorer at the time, netting for Leeds United in a 2–1 win over Sunderland in 2002. Now 40, he plays for Brighton & Hove Albion and holds the Premier League appearance record, having also starred for Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
4. Wayne Rooney – 16 years, 360 days
Rooney scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in 2002, famously ending their 30-game unbeaten streak with a stunning 25-yard strike. He went on to a trophy-laden career with Manchester United, returned to Everton, and played in the U.S. and for Derby, while captaining England with 120 caps.
5. Rio Ngumoha – 16 years, 361 days
Ngumoha became the first 16-year-old since Rooney to score a Premier League winner, netting for Liverpool against Newcastle. He joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2024 and was the youngest starter for the Reds at 16 years, 135 days.
6. Cesc Fàbregas – 17 years, 113 days
Fàbregas scored for Arsenal against Blackburn in 2004 and went on to captain the club, win Premier League titles with Chelsea, and lift the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
8. Michael Owen – 17 years, 143 days
Owen burst onto the scene for Liverpool in 1997, showcasing incredible pace and finishing ability. He won two Premier League Golden Boots and the 2001 Ballon d’Or.
9. Ethan Nwaneri – 17 years, 247 days
Previously Arsenal’s youngest Premier League scorer in 2024, Nwaneri’s record was surpassed by Dowman. However, Nwaneri remains Arsenal’s youngest league debutant at 15 years, 181 days.
Max Dowman’s record-setting goal not only highlights his immense talent but also continues a rich tradition of teenage stars making their mark on the Premier League.
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