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Max Dowman has been named on the shortlist for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Young Player of the Year award following his breakthrough season with Arsenal.

The 16-year-old became the youngest Premier League champion in history after helping the Gunners finish ahead of Manchester City. He also became the youngest goalscorer in the division when he struck on the counter-attack against Everton in March.

Dowman made six Premier League appearances, including one start, and was also given chances in the League Cup and the Champions League.

He will face strong competition for the honour. Also included on the shortlist are Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, who secured a domestic cup double with Manchester City.

O’Reilly’s displays also earned him a call-up to England’s World Cup squad, and he featured during the team’s run to the semi-finals.

Kobbie Mainoo has also been shortlisted after impressing under Michael Carrick throughout the second half of the season.

He had been unable to break through under Ruben Amorim, but went on to prove an important figure as the Red Devils surged through the closing stretch of the campaign and sealed their return to the Champions League.

Eli Junior Kroupi has been nominated as well after an outstanding breakthrough season, further raising his profile as several clubs consider moves to sign him.

Completing the shortlist is Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha, who capitalised on Mohamed Salah’s dip in form to establish himself as a regular during the latter part of Arne Slot’s spell in charge.

The winner will be announced at a star-studded awards ceremony in Manchester on August 25, 2026.