Marli Salmon became the sixth youngest player to feature in the Champions League when he was brought on as a late substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Club Brugge.

At just 16 years and 103 days old, Salmon entered the match for Ben White at Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented, “We knew that at some point we had to use him.” “He’s so young, 16 still, and he’s playing in the Champions League,” Arteta said.

However, Salmon is not even the youngest player Arsenal has fielded this season. That honour belongs to Max Dowman, who was 15 years and 308 days old when he came on as a second-half substitute against Slavia Prague last month. According to UEFA, Salmon is the third player aged 16 or younger that Arsenal has fielded in the Champions League, following Dowman and former midfielder Jack Wilshere.

“That’s why we put so much work, and everybody in the academy puts (in) so much enthusiasm and work,” said Arteta. “And for a long time, you have to prepare those talents. So, thanks to them, because when we need them, they are there; they are ready to perform.”

Dowman holds the record as the youngest player ever to play in European club soccer’s top competition, surpassing the previous mark set by Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 16 years and 18 days old when he appeared for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal ranks as the third youngest, having made his debut in the competition at the age of 16 years and 68 days in 2023. Wearing No. 89, Salmon is described by Arsenal as a gifted, ball-playing center back. He first joined the club’s academy, playing for the Under-11 team.

His first Champions League appearance came before he had even played a senior domestic league or cup game for Arsenal. He did, however, feature for the U21s in the Football League Trophy in September.

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