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At just 17, Andre Harriman-Annous broke into Arsenal’s starting eleven in the Carabao Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion, marking a turning point in his career. A player with Lebanese roots, he is now under the spotlight, and, ironically, it seems the Lebanese Football Association may have missed the boat.

The Next Generation is Already Here

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, under the silver evening lights of the Emirates Stadium, André Harriman-Annous made his first start for Arsenal in the English League Cup (Carabao Cup) against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Head coach Mikel Arteta, who said, “Today, I felt the moment had come,” gave him his chance after months of waiting.
That day, at 17, he stood among the men, ready to embrace a major leap. The context was heavy: a historic club chasing success, an elite environment, media pressure. For him, simply being named a starter before his 18th birthday was already a victory.

Who Is He?

Born in London, the 1.81 m forward plays in Arsenal’s academy. In 2024–2025, he scored 14 goals and provided 5 assists with the U18s (31 matches).
His rise has been meteoric: in a matter of months, he skipped several steps to make his mark at a top club.
With a complete profile—power, flair, and irresistible one-on-one ability—Harriman-Annous is not just another academy prospect; he is already viewed as a future first-teamer.
At this level, the question is twofold: which country will he represent?

Lebanon Playing Catch-Up

Given his Lebanese roots, André represents a dream opportunity for the Lebanese Football Association: a high-caliber player trained in England and ready to blossom.
Yet no clear initiative seems to have been taken to convince him before it is too late. If Harriman-Annous keeps progressing, England could call him up to the senior team, making a future switch to Lebanon highly unlikely.
The message is clear: Lebanon must act early or risk letting a future star slip away.

The Brighton Match: A Springboard

On the pitch, Harriman-Annous did more than show up: he was active and mobile and even played a part in a dangerous move finished by a Bukayo Saka goal. These are the details—effort, involvement, projection—that turn a prospect into a concrete talent.
Coach Arteta emphasized the importance of such moments: “Giving someone a chance and allowing them to fulfill a dream is a unique feeling.”

A Sporting Family

Behind André stands his older brother, Brandon Harriman-Annous, who featured last month for Hull City U21 after coming through Arsenal’s academy. The talent clearly runs in the family and points in the right direction: two brothers on the rise, a stake for Lebanon, and a bet on the future.

Looking Ahead

The challenge now is consistency. At a club like Arsenal, one good night is not enough; you have to string them together. He must also make the right decision internationally.
Step by step, Harriman-Annous is writing his story. Lebanon, in the background, can still find a place in it—but time is short.
For Lebanese readers and football fans alike, this player embodies a duality: belonging to a nation while pursuing a global future.
At 17, destiny is already in play, with one priority: that the Lebanese flag not be a mere footnote but an active opportunity seized before it is too late.