Arsenal 18yo makes international debut before his senior club debut

Ceadach O’Neill has made his Northern Ireland debut before making his first senior appearance for Arsenal, playing in a friendly win over Guinea on Thursday.

Ceadach O'Neill of Northern Ireland looks on prior to the Under-17 EURO Elite Round match between Hungary and Northern Ireland at St George's Park on March 26, 2024 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images ) — Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill is yet to make a first-team appearance for his club, with his appearances on the bench for FA Cup matches against Wigan Athletic and Southampton being the closest he’s come.

O’Neill was arguably not even an u21 player this season, making most of his appearances for the Arsenal u18s.

But it’s a different story internationally, with the young forward making his senior international debut for Northern Ireland on Thursday night.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Ceadach O'Neill of Arsenal reacts during the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Joie Stadium on January 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) — Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

O’Neill came off the bench for Northern Ireland for 26 minutes against Guinea, helping his team’s 10 men to see out a 1-0 victory. He may get another chance next week, when his team play another friendly against France on June 8th.

The teenager had a busy season with the Arsenal academy, playing across various levels.

For the u18s, the forward scored 11 goals and assisted one in just 16 appearances, an excellent return. He also scored two and assisted one in four games for the underperforming u19s in the UEFA Youth League.

O’Neill’s u21 minutes were more limited, but he scored two goals and assisted one in his seven starts. He’ll likely be an u21 starter next season, after ageing out of u18 football.

Ceadach O'Neill playing for the Arsenal u21s (Photo via O'Neill on Instagram) — Photo via O’Neill on Instagram

Northern Ireland have had a lot of luck with Arsenal youth products in the past, with Dan Ballard previously breaking into the senior national team whilst still with the Gunners academy. O’Neill is now the latest player to follow that same pathway.

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