Who is Rio Ngumoha? Everything we know about Liverpool's hero vs Newcastle

Rio Ngumoha made a sensational Premier League debut, scoring an extraordinary last-minute winner for Liverpool on Monday.

The 16-year-old was handed his first top-flight appearance by Arne Slot against Newcastle. In a dramatic fashion, he scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, securing a thrilling victory for the Reds at St. James' Park. This came after a rollercoaster match where Liverpool squandered a 2-0 lead against a 10-man Newcastle side.

Despite the pre-match focus being on Alexander Isak, Ngumoha ensured he took center stage when the final whistle blew. His talents were already recognized within Anfield, but his spectacular winning goal has catapulted him into the national spotlight.

But what's his backstory? And what's been said about this young talent so far? Here's everything you need to know about the teenager...

Who is Rio Ngumoha?

Ngumoha, aged 16, is an English forward who signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2024. He progressed through Chelsea's academy, joining at just eight years old, but chose to make the move to Anfield in 2024.

His decision to depart Stamford Bridge was influenced by the clearer pathway to first-team soccer he saw at Liverpool, having observed several other academy graduates succeed under Jurgen Klopp.

Chelsea was left deeply disappointed by his exit, especially as the London club couldn't secure any transfer fee. The Blues might eventually receive some compensation for his services through a tribunal, but it's unlikely to match his true worth.

On the international front, he represents England's U17 side, but with Nigerian and Guadeloupean roots, he could potentially play for either Nigeria or France on the global stage.

What has he accomplished so far?

Despite his young age, Ngumoha has already started making a name for himself. While still at Chelsea, the youthful forward netted a goal in Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Wolves in the U17 Premier League Cup final.

He quickly turned heads after transferring to Merseyside. Slot invited him to participate in first-team training with Liverpool last Autumn before being included in a matchday squad for the first time during Liverpool's Carabao Cup encounter with Southampton in December.

Further cup opportunities followed for Ngumoha when he made his debut in an FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley. Consequently, he became the club's second youngest-ever player to feature in the first team, trailing only Jerome Sinclair.

He was subsequently included in this summer's preseason tour squad, where he demonstrated his immense potential with two goals and two assists in just four appearances. His form continued with a goal against Newcastle, making him Liverpool's youngest Premier League scorer.

He ranks as the fourth youngest scorer in competition history, following James Vaughan, James Milner, and Wayne Rooney, and he is only the second 16-year-old to score a winning goal, joining the Manchester United legend.

What's been said?

In the wake of Ngumoha's memorable goal, many have voiced their opinions. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was effusive in his praise for the youngster's strike.

He said: "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."

Meanwhile, captain Virgil van Dijk has also weighed in on the young player's impact, but issued a cautionary note for him to remain focused. He stated: "It's a dream debut for him. I think that whole attack was quite good. I think Harvey [Elliott] started it or our right-hand side and Fede [Chiesa] did the dummy. It was a perfect attack. We stayed calm at the end to find the right solution to score the goal.

"I'm very pleased for Rio, I've said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can't take them for granted if you're in his position. I'm sure with the players we have he will be back in training and having a hard session tomorrow again."

Even prior to his strike at St. James' Park, considerable expectations surrounded Ngumoha. Chelsea icon John Terry endorsed the teenager for future greatness, having expressed his disappointment that his former side allowed the talent to escape their grasp.

Responding to Ngumoha's announcement that he had joined Liverpool, Terry commented: "Good luck mate," before adding: "This boy is and will be a top top player."