Arsenal have a new superstar emerging through their academy in the form of Max Dowman, and the youngster’s family have just take a huge step which should ensure his rapid development continues.
Dowman became the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer when he added the Gunners’ second goal in the dying embers against Everton on Saturday afternoon. Running the length of the pitch, the 16-year-old slotted into an unguarded net to seal Mikel Arteta’s side’s victory in the 97th minute.
This was his first significant contribution to the Arsenal first team, and Arteta will hope it’s the first of many, in what could become an illustrious career.
Max Dowman’s family get FIFA agent licences
Dowman has already been compared to AC Milan legend Kaka, highlighting just how high the expectations are for him already. Navigating the next few years and ensuring he doesn’t struggle with this pressure and the limelight will be key, and will require smart and sensible people to manage.
It appears those who will take on this responsibility are close to the player. According to the Guardian, Dowman’s father and brother have obtained FIFA agent licences, as they intend to manage the wonderkid’s career, at least for the foreseeable future.
Unsurprisingly, the Guardian reports that the family have had a plethora of offers from a number of agents and agencies since Dowman made his senior debut in August. However, they have ultimately opted not to accept any of these proposals for the time being.
The dream ending 🌟 pic.twitter.com/kadY7ttRTW
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 15, 2026
While Dowman’s initial pre-contract agreement, which was reached in January, was negotiated by a sports, media and entertainment legal firm, Rob and Ethan Dowman are likely to handle any future contract negotiations.
FIFA deregulated its agent licensing system in 2016, and this has prompted a trend of players choosing to be represented by their family, rather than by established agents in the industry. Dowman’s family have taken this path, with Rob and Ethan both earning FIFA agent licences after passing exams, which reportedly have just a 52% pass rate.
Max Dowman needs to be carefully managed
Much like his father and brother, Dowman has his own exams swiftly approaching. The teenager’s GCSE period will commence in the coming months, and this will be his utmost priority, before he makes his way into the footballing world on a more full-time basis.
Possibly the most well-known 16-year-old in the United Kingdom, the spotlight being shone on him could certainly hinder his development. Having this level of pressure and scrutiny at such a young age perhaps isn’t healthy, and both the club and his family will have the manage him extremely carefully.
Taking it all in 🫶 pic.twitter.com/ewILt7aAAH
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 15, 2026
Arteta will need to hand him minutes on a somewhat sporadic basis, to allow him to develop physically and mentally before overburdening him with responsibility.
Between now and the end of the season, which coincides with his GCSE exams, a handful of cameos off the pitch is the most likely, and sensible, arrangement for Dowman.
