Myles Lewis-Skelly makes Champions League history with composed display against Real Madrid

Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly etched his name into UEFA Champions League history on Wednesday night, becoming one of the youngest players to start a knockout stage match.

The 18-year-old midfielder was handed a starting role by manager Mikel Arteta in the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

His inclusion places him alongside Cesc Fàbregas (2006) and Max Meyer (2014) as the only 18-year-olds to start in such a high-stakes fixture.

Lewis-Skelly, born in London, boasts a rich Caribbean heritage through his grandparents, who hail from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.

In the match, Lewis-Skelly delivered a composed performance in Arsenal’s midfield, contributing to a 2-1 victory over the Spanish giants.

This win secured a 5-1 aggregate triumph, propelling the Gunners into the semi-finals. His ability to handle the pressure of such a significant game underscores his maturity and potential.

Having joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of nine, Lewis-Skelly has steadily progressed through the ranks, making his first-team debut in the 2024-25 season.

His development has been marked by versatility, having played both as a midfielder and left-back.

Internationally, he has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in March 2025, scoring in a World Cup qualifier against Albania.

Lewis-Skelly’s rapid ascent and recent performances have drawn comparisons to Arsenal legends, with fans and pundits alike praising his technical skills and game intelligence.