Rio Ngumoha at just 16 has become the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history after he scored Liverpool’s winning goal in their 3-2 victory against Newcastle on Monday night.
Newcastle had drawn level with Liverpool 2-2 at St James’ Park, when Arne Slot brought out Ngumoha.
In the 100th minute Liverpool’s Mo Salah slid the ball over to Dominik Szoboszlai, who stepped over it to allow Ngumoha to score, catching Newcastle unawares.
Ngumoha’s goal not only secured Liverpool the win, but also made him the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, and only the second 16-year-old to hit a winner in a Premier League game.
Speaking about Ngumoha, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports: “It’s a dream debut for him….I’m very pleased for Rio.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said: “It was a great goal for a 16-year-old.
“Rio can finish so well for his age. I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident. For his age, he is a really good finisher.”
Top Facts about Rio Ngumoha
• Rio Ngumoha was born in Newham in London on 29 August 2008, to Nigerian parents.
• He was inspired to play football by his older brother when he was around four.
• He joined Chelsea’s football academy when he was just eight. Former pro-player and coach John Terry predicted that Rio would go on to be a top player.
• He spent eight years at the club, before scouts from Liverpool asked the teen to come to play for them in summer 2024 – which caused a bit of a stir between the two clubs.
• In a pre-season friendly match against Athletic Bilbao, Ngumoha scored in the second minute for Liverpool. The 16-year-old left the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd midway through the second half of the match.
• In January 2025 Ngumoha became the youngest player to start a match for Liverpool – aged 16 years and 135 days old – in the 4-0 win over Accrington in the FA Cup.
• His football heroes and inspiration are Lionel Messi and Neymar.
BBC
