Arsenal’s Marli Salmon became the sixth-youngest footballer to appear in the Champions League after coming on as a late substitute during the team’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday.

The teenage defender, aged 16 years and 103 days, replaced Ben White at the Jan Breydelstadion. Manager Mikel Arteta said the coaching staff had long anticipated giving him his first minutes on Europe’s biggest stage.

“We knew we would have to use him at some point,” Arteta said. “He’s only 16 and he’s already playing in the Champions League.”

Despite his age, Salmon is not Arsenal’s youngest debutant this season. That honor belongs to Max Dowman, who was 15 years and 308 days old when he featured as a second-half substitute against Slavia Prague last month.

UEFA records show Salmon is the third player aged 16 or below to represent Arsenal in the Champions League, following Dowman and former midfielder Jack Wilshere.

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Arteta credited the academy for preparing young prospects. “This is why so much effort goes into developing these players. When we need them, they’re ready to step in,” he said.

Dowman holds the record as the youngest player ever to appear in the competition, surpassing Youssoufa Moukoko’s 2020 mark set at 16 years and 18 days. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is listed as the third youngest after debuting at 16 years, 68 days in 2023.

Wearing the No. 89 shirt, Salmon is regarded by Arsenal as a technically strong, ball-playing central defender. He entered the academy setup at Under-11 level.

Wednesday’s match marked his first Champions League outing before making any senior league or domestic cup appearance. He previously played for Arsenal’s U21s in the Football League Trophy in September.