Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha: A 16-Year-Old’s Historic Goal in Premier League

A dramatic late goal by Rio Ngumoha secured a 3-2 victory for Liverpool against Newcastle in a Premier League thriller. The goal, scored in the 90+10th minute, ensured Liverpool took all three points. This win continued Liverpool’s strong start to the new season under the guidance of Arne Slot, with the team winning their first two matches. Significant contributions came from Ryan Gravenberch and summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who both scored. Yet, it was the young Ngumoha who provided the decisive goal, completing Liverpool’s winning start to the season. With this goal, Ngumoha joins a select group of players who scored their first Premier League goal at the age of 16. This puts him alongside football icons who began making their mark at a similar age, demonstrating his considerable potential. Before Ngumoha, only three players had scored in the Premier League before turning 17: James Vaughan, James Milner, and Wayne Rooney. Rio Ngumoha is a young footballer of English nationality with Nigerian heritage. He has played for England at different youth levels, including U-15, U-16, and U-17. He is celebrated for his creativity and skill, primarily playing as an attacking midfielder or winger, and his maturity is notable despite his young age. Before joining Liverpool, Ngumoha spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy. Chelsea was reportedly unhappy with his move to Liverpool, considering him a ‘generational talent.’ Ngumoha made his debut for Liverpool in January 2025, appearing as a substitute in an FA Cup victory against Accrington Stanley, setting a record as the youngest player to feature for Liverpool in the FA Cup, and the club’s youngest to start for the first team, at 16 years and 135 days.