Marli Salmon
Last updated September 21, 2026
Centre-Back · #89 · England
Season-by-Season Record
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026-27 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | 0 |
About Marli Salmon
Marli Salmon is an Arsenal academy centre-back who can also play right-back. Born in Leytonstone and raised in Woodford, he joined Hale End at under-11 level in July 2019 as an attacker before being converted into a defender. He became the youngest player ever to make his Arsenal debut in European competition when he came on against Club Brugge in the Champions League on 10 December 2025, aged 16 years and 103 days, and he made three FA Cup appearances that season including a start at Mansfield Town. Salmon signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday on 29 August 2026 and started at centre-back in the 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich Town in September 2026.
International Career — England U17
More About Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Marli Salmon?
Marli Salmon was born on 29 August 2009 in Leytonstone, London, so he is 17 years old. He signed his first professional Arsenal contract on his 17th birthday.
How tall is Marli Salmon?
Marli Salmon is listed at 186 cm (6 ft 1 in), which gives him a strong physical profile for a centre-back at his age.
What position does Marli Salmon play?
Salmon is primarily a right-footed centre-back but he can also play at right-back. He joined Arsenal as an attacker before being converted into a defender in the academy.
When did Marli Salmon sign professional terms with Arsenal?
Salmon agreed a pre-contract with Arsenal in April 2026 and formally signed his first professional contract on 29 August 2026, the day he turned 17. The length of the deal has not been made public.
Has Marli Salmon made his Arsenal debut?
Yes. He made his first-team debut as an 83rd-minute substitute for Ben White in a 3-0 Champions League win at Club Brugge on 10 December 2025, aged 16 years and 103 days, making him the youngest player to debut for Arsenal in European competition. He has since made three FA Cup appearances and started the Carabao Cup win at Ipswich Town on 15 September 2026.
Has Marli Salmon played for England?
Salmon has represented England at U16 and U17 level, winning four U17 caps and travelling to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar as an unused squad member. In September 2026 he received his first England U18 call-up for the UEFA Friendship Cup.