Rooney predicts ‘huge future’ for Arsenal Sensation Max Dowman

Wayne Rooney believes that Arsenal Teenage rising -star Max Dowman is set for a «massive future» after an impressive Premier League debut.

Dowman came up as a replacement of just 15 years and 234 days during the 5-0 win of the Gunners over Leeds on the Emirates on Saturday.

He also did more than the field on the field during his 26 minutes on the field, with the attacking midfielder earning a late penalty, where Viktor Gyokeres score scored from the place.

Former captain of England Rooney made his Everton debut at the age of 16 -in 2002 and was five days shortly before his 17th birthday when he briefly was the youngest goal scorer of the Premier League by registering a stunning late winner against Arsenal.

Speaking on his BBC Podcast, said the Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United Great of Dowman, “To play in the Premier League at that age, I know that I played when I was young, but I think he is 150 days younger than I was, or more.

“For Max and his family and friends, I am sure they all live in a dream and a fairy tale, and it has probably not come home yet. But you can see that his future is so rosy; he will have a huge future.

«Everyone with whom you speak in football, the same name keeps coming back: Max Dowman.»

Downman’s teammate Ethan Nwaneri remains the youngest player in the Premier League history in Arsenal’s 3-0 win in Brentford in September 2022, 15 years and 181 days.

The now 39-year-old Rooney, who talks about the pressure that is accompanied by playing top football at such a young age, added: «It is surreal. It is so strange that you are one moment in the youth team and the next moment you are in the first team dressing room with some of your heroes.

“It is something you really have to get used to, because it can be overwhelming.

«Max Dowman looks like a very down -to -earth boy of everything I have seen and you hope he succeeds in dealing with it and understand what is coming his way quickly.»

Published on August 25, 2025