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Liverpool’s newest wonderkid, Rio Ngumoha, has taken the world by storm with his dazzling pre-season performances for Liverpool football club, capturing the attention of fans, teammates, and coaches alike. The 16-year-old’s meteoric rise showcases Liverpool’s successful youth recruitment strategy and hints at a bright future for the versatile winger.
Background: Who is Ngumoha?
Rio Chima Ngumoha, born on August 29, 2008, in London, joined Liverpool’s Academy from Chelsea in September 2024. The transfer was a major coup, with Chelsea frustrated at losing one of their brightest prospects. Standing at 1.70m, Ngumoha is a left-footed, pacey winger or attacking midfielder known for his trickery, agility, and fearless dribbling ability. Furthermore, his ability to adapt across multiple attacking roles makes him a valuable asset for Liverpool.
Since joining Liverpool, Ngumoha has featured for the U18s, U21s, and UEFA Youth League teams, scoring crucial goals and training regularly with the first team. Consequently, many fans already see him as a potential long-term replacement for Luis Diaz, who departed for Bayern Munich in 2025.
Record-Breaking First-Team Debut
On January 11, 2025, Ngumoha made history by becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter at 16 years and 135 days old in an FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley. Previously, he had been named on the bench for an EFL Cup clash against Southampton in December 2024, showing his rapid rise through the ranks.
Ngumoha’s Pre-Season Performances
The 2025 pre-season has been a breakthrough moment for Ngumoha:
- July 13 – Preston North End: He created the opening goal in a 3-1 win, weaving past defenders to set up Conor Bradley.
- July 19 – Stoke City: He scored his first senior goal in a 5-0 win, finishing superbly from a tight angle.
- July 26 – AC Milan: He played a key role in Szoboszlai’s goal, completing three dribbles and winning four duels in a 4-2 loss in Hong Kong.
- July 30 – Yokohama F. Marinos: He scored a stunning solo goal in a 3-1 victory, driving from midfield and finishing coolly from the edge of the box.
These performances not only impressed fans but also caught the attention of Liverpool’s senior players and coaching staff, underlining his potential to impact future matches.
Praise from Players and Coaches
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were seen applauding Ngumoha’s goal against Yokohama, while Harvey Elliott described him as “fearless”. Manager Arne Slot praised his impact but urged patience, saying, “If you are 16 and you impact the game like that, that’s a big compliment.”
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson also lauded the youngster’s attitude, stating, “He’s got a fantastic head on his shoulders.”
Contract and Future Prospects
Ngumoha is set to sign his first professional contract with Liverpool on August 29, 2025, his 17th birthday. The three-year deal reportedly includes a unique “car clause” to guide his lifestyle. As a result of his pre-season performances, many expect him to gain more first-team minutes in the 2025-26 season, particularly in domestic cup competitions.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea U17 Cup Goal | Scored in 3-1 win over Wolves | Apr 2024 |
| Joined Liverpool | Transferred from Chelsea | Sep 2024 |
| Liverpool U18 Debut | vs. Blackburn Rovers | Aug 2024 |
| UEFA Youth League Debut | vs. AC Milan | Sep 2024 |
| First-Team Training | International break inclusion | Sep 2024 |
| EFL Cup Bench | vs. Southampton | Dec 2024 |
| First-Team Debut | vs. Accrington Stanley | Jan 2025 |
| First Senior Goal | vs. Stoke City | Jul 2025 |
| Solo Goal vs. Yokohama | 3-1 win in Japan | Jul 2025 |
Conclusion
Rio Ngumoha’s rise is one of the most exciting stories in recent Liverpool history. From Chelsea academy starlet to Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter, he has already delivered big moments in pre-season. With a professional contract looming and high praise from players, coaches, and fans, Ngumoha seems destined to become the next Anfield superstar.
