At St James' Park on 25/8, Ngumoha had a dream Premier League debut. After replacing Cody Gakpo in the 95th minute, the 16-year-old winger needed only five minutes to score the decisive goal, helping Liverpool defeat Newcastle 3-2.

Ngumoha was born in London, England on 29/8/2008. From 2016 to 2024, he played for Chelsea's youth teams. In the U17 Premier League final in 4/2024, Ngumoha scored, helping Chelsea defeat Wolves 3-1. But in the summer of the same year, the English football prodigy unexpectedly transferred to Liverpool on a free transfer.

According to regulations, Liverpool did not have to pay a transfer fee. However, because Ngumoha left when his contract expired before the age of 24, Chelsea has the right to claim a training fee. English media reported that Liverpool may have to pay around 3 million USD. The final figure will be decided by the court in the near future.

Rio Ngumoha celebrates the decisive goal in Liverpool's victory over Newcastle at St James' Park in the second round of the Premier League on 25/8/2025. Photo: Reuters

Rio Ngumoha celebrates the decisive goal in Liverpool's victory over Newcastle at St James' Park in the second round of the Premier League on 25/8/2025. Photo: Reuters

After joining Liverpool, Ngumoha impressed manager Arne Slot enough to train with the first team starting in 11/2024. By 1/2025, he became the youngest player in Liverpool's history to play for the club when he debuted in an FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley.

This past summer, Ngumoha continued to improve, making significant contributions during pre-season preparations, including a solo goal against Bilbao. In the match against Newcastle, after being tied 2-2, Slot gave Ngumoha his Premier League debut, and reaped unexpected rewards.

At 16 years and 361 days old, Ngumoha became the fourth-youngest player to score in Premier League history, after Wayne Rooney (16 years and 360 days), James Milner (16 years and 356 days), and James Vaughan (16 years and 270 days). He is only the second 16-year-old to score a winning goal in the Premier League, after Rooney in Everton's match against Arsenal in 10/2002.

Ngumoha also became the youngest player to score for Liverpool, breaking the record of Ben Woodburn, who scored against Leeds at 17 years and 45 days old in 2016.

At 99 minutes and 44 seconds, Ngumoha's goal is also the fourth-latest winning goal in Premier League history, and the latest goal scored since Cole Palmer's for Chelsea against Manchester United in 4/2024 (100 minutes and 41 seconds).

"I truly believe that one day I can win the Ballon d'Or," Ngumoha said in 10/2024 to Liverpool's television channel. "I want to be considered one of the best players in history and become a legend of this sport. You can play badly in a few matches, but you have to have the belief that you are the best. For me, if I'm not in good form, I just ignore it and train hard."

Slot said Ngumoha is very confident and not afraid to show off his dribbling skills in training in front of his senior teammates. And he is delighted to have given a 16-year-old his debut.

Captain Virgil Van Dijk added: "It was a dream debut. I am very happy for him. It's all just the beginning. He needs to continue working hard and stay humble. But he also needs to enjoy it and not take this achievement lightly."

Ngumoha has not yet been called up to the national team. He has played 24 matches and scored six goals for England's U15, U16, and U17 teams.

Thanh Quy (via The Sun)