Slavia Prague Hail Arsenal’s Max Dowman as a ‘Miracle Player’ After Champions League Defeat

Slavia Prague have described Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman as a “miracle player” after he made Champions League history during the Gunners’ 3–0 victory in Prague on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their perfect start to the competition, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Mikel Merino struck twice in the second half to seal a comfortable win.

Dowman, meanwhile, etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player in Champions League history, coming on as a second-half substitute to make his European debut.

At 15 years and 308 days old, the Arsenal youngster broke the previous record set by Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 16 years and 18 days when he made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in December 2020.

‘Hats Off to Him’ – Slavia Players Praise Young Arsenal Star

Slavia Prague captain Lukas Provod admitted he was taken aback when he learned Dowman’s age, but praised the youngster’s composure on such a big stage.

“I knew which player it was, but I had no idea he was fifteen years old,” Provod said with a smile after the match.

“Hats off to him for making it here in Eden — the youngest player in Champions League history. I’ll be watching him, and I believe he’ll only continue to grow.”

Slavia defender David Zima echoed his captain’s admiration, calling Dowman a “miracle player” and highlighting the impressive development of young footballers in England.

“The difference is in how players are developed. There are many more footballers in England — it’s a bigger country, and every now and then a miracle player is born,” Zima said.

“There may be some physical flaws, but I looked completely different at fifteen. When you see him on the pitch, he looks like a fully-grown player.”

‘He Didn’t Look Out of Place’ – Slavia Boss Impressed by Dowman

Slavia head coach Jindřich Trpišovský also spoke highly of Dowman’s performance, insisting the teenager looked completely at ease despite his age.

“It’s definitely extreme to see a fifteen-year-old play in a senior Champions League match,” Trpišovský said.

“But if you watch him on the field, you wouldn’t say that. He showed great resilience — in one duel near the line he held his own physically. His technique is outstanding.”

The Slavia boss went on to praise Arsenal’s academy setup, saying the club’s ability to develop elite-level talent remains unmatched.

“At fifteen, he’s an incredible talent at this level. Arsenal have produced yet another great player from their own system — something that’s very difficult to achieve at a big club.”