Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute debut goal against Newcastle on Monday night, becoming the second 16-year-old in Premier League history to net a decisive winner.
The winger struck in stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory at Anfield. At 16 years and 361 days, he trailed Wayne Rooney’s 2002 record by a single day.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy in September 2024 after a disputed transfer process requiring tribunal-set compensation. He previously played for Chelsea’s U21s at 15.
His progress at Liverpool has been rapid. He scored in pre-season matches against Athletic Bilbao and Yokohama F. Marinos, before making his senior debut against Newcastle.
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Ngumoha’s goal also made him Liverpool’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer and the fourth youngest overall, behind James Vaughan, James Milner, and Rooney.
Manager Arne Slot praised his composure, while captain Virgil van Dijk described him as brave and fast but urged caution due to the league’s physical demands.
Ngumoha is expected to sign his first professional contract after his 17th birthday in September.
