Brief

Arsenal give 18‑year‑old Ceadach O’Neill his senior debut against Fleetwood

The 18‑year‑old forward, a former Linfield prodigy, was named in the starting XI for the Carabao Cup match on Oct. 27.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 05:16:07 GMT

Standard.co.uk reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed 18‑year‑old Northern Irish striker Ceadach O’Neill his first‑team debut in the Carabao Cup fourth‑round tie against Fleetwood Town at Highbury on the evening of Oct. 27.

O’Neill first attracted attention when he appeared for Linfield’s senior side at 15 in 2024, after which Arsenal offered him a trial and later signed him. He signed his first professional contract in April 2025, shortly after turning 17. The forward has already earned four senior caps for Northern Ireland and was on the bench for Arsenal’s FA Cup games against Wigan and Southampton last season.

In Arsenal’s academy, O’Neill recorded 16 goals in 41 under‑18 matches before moving up to the under‑21s, where he has scored two goals in eight appearances. He can play as a central striker, winger or attacking midfielder and is praised for his pace and physicality.

Key facts

Ceadach O’Neill made his Arsenal senior debut against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Oct. 27, 2026. (standard.co.uk)
The 18‑year‑old has been capped four times by Northern Ireland at senior level. (standard.co.uk)
O’Neill scored 16 goals in 41 under‑18 matches and two goals in eight under‑21 games for Arsenal. (standard.co.uk)