Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old rising star, has become a name on the lips of football fans worldwide after his dramatic, last-gasp winner for Liverpool against Newcastle United. The goal, scored in the 100th minute of the Premier League thriller, not only secured a vital 3-2 victory but also cemented his place in the record books.
Ngumoha’s decisive strike at St. James’ Park made him the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history. At 16 years and 361 days, he surpassed the previous record held by Ben Woodburn. His achievement also places him fourth on the all-time list of youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, behind only James Vaughan, James Milner, and Wayne Rooney. Remarkably, he was only one day older than Rooney was when he scored his first Premier League goal.
Early Career and Rise at Liverpool
Born in Newham, London, Ngumoha is of Nigerian descent and has represented England at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, and U17 teams. He spent eight years in the esteemed Chelsea academy, where he was considered a “generational talent” before making the switch to Liverpool in 2024.
His move to Merseyside was a significant milestone, and he quickly integrated into the Liverpool setup. Ngumoha made his professional debut for the club in January 2025, starting in an FA Cup victory against Accrington Stanley. That appearance, at just 16 years and 135 days old, made him the youngest player to start a first-team game in Liverpool’s history.
Praised for his creativity, skill, and maturity beyond his years, Ngumoha primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or winger. His impressive performances during the 2025 pre-season tour, where he scored three goals and provided two assists, hinted at his immense potential and set the stage for his memorable Premier League debut. His fearless style of play and composure in high-pressure situations have earned him praise from manager Arne Slot and senior teammates alike, with many tipping him as a future star.
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