By Arsenal’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter made history on Wednesday, becoming the youngest player ever to start for the club’s first team in a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers.
At 16 years and 72 days old, Porter broke the previous record held by Cesc Fabregas, who made his first start at 16 years and 177 days in 2003. The young goalkeeper’s debut came as Arsenal faced an injury crisis, with first-choice keeper David Raya sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained in a recent match against Manchester City.
Porter, who only turned 16 in July, was thrust into the spotlight after summer loan signing Neto was cup-tied and 18-year-old Tommy Setford was unavailable due to injury. The teenager’s rapid ascent to the first team highlights Arsenal’s commitment to youth development and their willingness to trust young talent in high-pressure situations.
The young goalkeeper has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time, having trained periodically with the first team since the 2022-23 season. He was recently named as a substitute for a Champions League match against Atalanta, indicating the club’s growing faith in his abilities.
Porter’s performance in the Carabao Cup win adds to a growing list of achievements for Arsenal’s youth academy. Ethan Nwanari, who holds the record as Arsenal’s youngest-ever player after coming off the bench at 15 years and 181 days old in September 2022, scored twice in the same match.
The young goalkeeper’s rapid rise through the ranks is a testament to the work of Arsenal’s academy, particularly head of academy goalkeeping Mark Mason. Porter has also represented England at the Under-17 level, further underlining his potential.
As Porter is not yet 17, he cannot sign a professional contract with Arsenal until next year. However, his record-breaking start for the first team suggests a bright future ahead for the young goalkeeper.
This debut comes during a week that has seen several Premier League clubs giving opportunities to their academy products. Manchester City recently fielded 16-year-old defender Kaden Braithwaite, who became the third-youngest defender in the club’s history to play for the first team.
As Arsenal progresses in the Carabao Cup and juggles commitments across multiple competitions, Porter’s performance may have earned him further opportunities with the first team, showcasing the club’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent.
