Rio Ngumoha stole the headlines with a dramatic late goal to assist Liverpool in winning a 3-2 Premier League thriller against Newcastle. The goal in the 90+10 minute opened the floodgates and sealed all three points for the reigning champions. Liverpool has begun the new season on a high under the stewardship of Arne Slot, winning their first two games.
Key Goals From Gravenberch, Ekitike, and Ngumoha
Liverpool’s triumph was founded on effort from a number of players. Ryan Gravenberch and summer signing Hugo Ekitike both scored, putting the stage in place for a dramatic conclusion. It was teenager Ngumoha, though, who provided the killer blow in deep injury time to complete Liverpool’s winning start to the season.
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Ngumoha Joins Elite Group Of Teenage Premier League Goalscorers
With his achievement, Ngumoha is one of the few players to have scored their first Premier League goal at only 16 years old. This accolade places him alongside great legends who started making their mark around the same age, and it is an indication of his huge potential.
Comparing Ngumoha To Rooney, Milner, And Vaughan
Prior to Ngumoha, three players had scored in the Premier League prior to their 17th birthday: James Vaughan, James Milner, and Wayne Rooney. Rooney scored at the age of 16 years and 360 days for Everton, Milner scored at 16 years and 356 days for Leeds, and Vaughan is the youngest at 16 years and 270 days for Everton. Ngumoha’s strike was just a few days shy of his 17th birthday on August 29.
Who Is Rio Ngumoha?
Rio Ngumoha is a young Nigerian-born English footballer. He has played for England at different youth levels such as U-15, U-16, and U-17. Prized for his creativity and skill, Ngumoha plays mainly as an attacking midfielder or winger, and he has gained attention for his mature approach even at a tender age.
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Chelsea Academy Graduate Now Making Waves at Liverpool
Before getting signed by Liverpool, Ngumoha spent 8 years getting groomed in Chelsea’s academy. The transfer reportedly infuriated Chelsea, who considered Ngumoha a ‘generational talent.’ This Merseyside move represented a significant milestone in his bright career.
Historic Debut For Liverpool At 16
Ngumoha made his team-debut for Liverpool in January 2025 as a substitute in an FA Cup victory against Accrington Stanley. He was the youngest player to play for Liverpool in the FA Cup and the club’s youngest to make a first-team starting appearance, aged 16 years and 135 days.
