Arsenal’s rising sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, continues to capture the football world’s attention with his remarkable achievements.
At just 17 years old, the Arsenal academy graduate has already cemented his place in Premier League history, breaking records and showcasing his immense potential.
In Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, Nwaneri scored his second Premier League goal, giving the Gunners an early lead in the 17th minute.
Despite Brighton equalizing through Joao Pedro’s penalty, the teenager’s performance was a bright spark in an otherwise challenging game.
Unfortunately, his time on the pitch was cut short just after half-time due to a muscle strain, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta.
Nwaneri’s journey has been nothing short of historic.
In September 2022, he became the youngest player to debut in the Premier League at just 15 years and 181 days during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Brentford.
Though Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta got some stick for throwing the then 15-year-old into the deep end, the manager was resolute in his belief in Nwaneri.
Two years later, in November 2024, he etched his name into the record books as the first player born in 2007 to score in the Premier League.
Nwaneri sets Arsenal record against Brighton
Against Brighton, Nwaneri added another milestone to his burgeoning career.
At 17 years and 289 days, he became the first Arsenal player to score more than one Premier League goal before turning 18.
This feat places him alongside legends like James Milner, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, Danny Cadamarteri and Frederico Macheda, who also scored multiple Premier League goals as teenagers.
Arsenal has a rich history of nurturing young talent, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Cesc Fàbregas, Serge Gnabry, and Jack Wilshere making their debuts at similarly tender ages.
Nwaneri, eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, is poised to follow in their footsteps, carrying the torch of Arsenal’s youth legacy.
