Arsenal youngster nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year

Arsenal youngster Max Dowman has been nominated for the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award, as nominated by the players.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Max Dowman and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the Premier League Trophy after their team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The PFA have announced their six nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award for 2025/26, and Arsenal’s Max Dowman has made the cut.

Dowman joins Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, AFC Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha on the shortlist, with the final result to be revealed at the awards show on Tuesday, August 25th.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Max Dowman of Arsenal breaks through on his way to score his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Dowman is pretty obviously not the favourite to win the whole thing, having only made 13 appearances for Arsenal for a total of 477 minutes – over half of which came in the FA Cup and League Cup.

The youngster’s biggest contributions in the Premier League were winning a penalty against Leeds United and his entire cameo against Everton, helping to set up the opening goal before scoring the 2-0 settler.

But that was a big moment, and one which ultimately did help to drive Arsenal on to the Premier League title.

The likes of O’Reilly might be stronger favourites to win the award, but Arsenal can be proud of their 16-year-old making waves in the biggest competitions.

Max Dowman of Arsenal runs with the ball under pressure from Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton on his way to scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

As the PFA Young Player of the Year award has an age limit of 21 (as of the July 1st preceding the relevant season), Dowman will remain eligible for this award in every coming season until 2031/32.

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