Max Dowman has been one of the most talked-about teenagers in English football after a record-breaking run with Arsenal, so it's natural that EA Sports FC 27 players want him in their squads. The short answer is that he isn't in the game right now, but the situation is more specific than a simple licensing oversight.
Is Max Dowman in EA FC 27?
No, Max Dowman is not in EA FC 27. The 16-year-old Arsenal midfielder is absent from every game mode, including Career Mode and Ultimate Team. This means you cannot sign him as a wonderkid, develop him through Evolution paths, or find him in any pack.
The reason comes down to EA's age policy on player licensing. While EA hasn't published a formal written rule, the company consistently excludes players under the age of 17 from its football titles. This aligns with FIFPro licensing standards and the professional contract regulations that govern how player likenesses can be used commercially.
Dowman falls below that 17-year threshold, which is why he doesn't appear anywhere in the base game. Arsenal fans who helped the club win the Premier League last season and have watched Dowman score a brace in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich Town this term will feel his absence particularly sharply.
When could Dowman be added to EA FC 27?
The timeline here is actually fairly clear. Dowman turns 17 on December 31, which makes him eligible for inclusion under EA's licensing rules from that point forward. The most likely vehicle for his addition is the January squad update, when EA typically refreshes player ratings and rosters to reflect winter transfers and squad changes.
That update isn't confirmed to include Dowman specifically, so treat it as a realistic possibility rather than a guarantee. EA could add him in any title update after his birthday, but the January window lines up neatly with both his eligibility date and the game's existing update schedule.
Is Max Dowman in the Game & How to Get Him?
What are the workarounds right now?
Just because Dowman isn't officially in the game doesn't mean you're completely out of options. EA FC 27 gives players a few creative routes to represent him.
Create a custom player
You can build a custom player modeled after Dowman and manually add him to the Arsenal squad. This version works for offline matches and Career Mode saves, letting you simulate his development even without an official card. It won't carry his real stats or face scan, but it's the closest thing available before any official update.
Theme your pro player around him
In Grounds or Player Career mode, you can design your created pro to mirror Dowman's style and position. It's a light workaround, but it's something for Arsenal supporters who want to put a Dowman-inspired player on the pitch.
| Workaround | Available In | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Custom created player | Career Mode, offline matches | No official stats or face scan |
| Themed pro player | Grounds, Player Career | Not usable in FUT |
| Official card (future) | All modes | Requires post-birthday title update |
Why does this licensing rule exist?
The under-17 restriction isn't arbitrary. FIFPro, the global players' union, sets the framework for how player images and likenesses are licensed in video games. Professional contracts for players under 17 are heavily regulated across most European leagues, and the commercial use of a minor's likeness requires a different, more complex consent structure than adult players.
EA's approach is to apply a blanket age cutoff rather than navigate individual licensing arrangements for teenagers, which means genuinely talented young players like Dowman get left out until they cross that threshold. It's a consistent policy across the franchise, not a one-off decision.
What else is new in EA FC 27 for Arsenal fans?
While Dowman's absence stings, Arsenal's existing squad in FC 27 is still well-represented. The game launched with the full Premier League roster intact following Arsenal's title-winning campaign, so the senior players are all present and accounted for.
If you're building around the club in Career Mode, the EA FC 27 Career Mode deep dive is worth reading before you start a save. The mode received a significant overhaul this year, including dynamic OVR, TransferRoom integration, and Creator Challenges that change how you manage squad development.
For a broader look at everything available at launch, the full EA Sports FC 27 strategy guides collection covers Ultimate Team promos, Squad Foundation cards, and everything else you need to get started on the right foot.
