Rio Ngumoha is quickly becoming a name to remember.
A star is rising: Rio Ngumoha’s breakthrough summer at Liverpool
The 16-year-old footballer, who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, has stood out during Liverpool’s pre-season games with goals, assists, and confidence well beyond his years.
He recently made headlines with a stunning goal against Athletic Club, scoring just 90 seconds into the match at Anfield.
Ngumoha began his youth football career at Chelsea, where he impressed by scoring in the U17 Premier League Cup final in April 2024.
That same summer, he joined Liverpool’s youth setup. In his early months at the club, he played for the under-18 team and made his UEFA Youth League debut against AC Milan.
As he continued to impress coaches, Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot brought him in to train with the first team. By January 2025, Ngumoha made his professional debut for Liverpool in the FA Cup, becoming the youngest player to start a senior game in the club’s history.
Pre-season brilliance puts Ngumoha in the spotlight
During Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia in July 2025, Ngumoha scored a solo goal against Yokohama F. Marinos, catching the attention of fans and the media.
He followed it up with another standout performance against Athletic Club at Anfield, scoring one goal and assisting another within the first five minutes of the match.
Sky Sports reporter Patrick Rowe called it a “stunning goal” and suggested the teenager is “staking a major claim to be firmly in the first-team picture this season.” Fellow journalist Vinny O’Connor praised Ngumoha’s “sumptuous finish.”
What kind of player is Rio Ngumoha?
Ngumoha is known for being fast, skillful, and very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
He often plays in attacking positions, either on the wings or behind the main striker. Football experts have described him as a “creative forward” who can beat defenders with ease.
He’s also included in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2024 list, which features some of the most promising young talents in the Premier League.
International background and future potential
Born in England and of Nigerian descent, Ngumoha has already represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels.
In 2025, he was part of the national squad for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
While Ngumoha is still very young and will face tougher competition in official league games, his performances suggest he may soon be a regular part of Liverpool’s senior team.
With the football world watching, Rio Ngumoha looks set to be one of the most exciting young players to emerge from Liverpool’s academy in recent years.