Who Is Rio Ngumoha? Liverpool’s Rising Winger Sensation
Liverpool's youth academy continues to unearth top-tier talent, and Rio Ngumoha is the latest to grab headlines — and for good reason.
Ngumoha in action for Liverpool against Preston North End. Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Born on August 29, 2008, in Newham, London, Ngumoha is an English winger or attacking midfielder who began his journey at Chelsea's academy before switching to Liverpool in September 2024.
The pathway available for young players at Liverpool was rumoured to be key to his decision, having seen the opportunities handed to the likes of Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Trey Nyoni.
And the move has already begun to pay off.
By January 2025, at just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha made history as the youngest-ever starter for Liverpool in an FA Cup fixture against Accrington Stanley.
He's also been heavily involved with Liverpool's youth and senior teams. Since joining, he's featured for the U18s, U21s, and even trained regularly with the first team from autumn 2024. Reports suggest his performances in training have "mesmerised" senior coaches.
Internationally, Ngumoha has represented England at U15, U16, and U17 levels, making 11 appearances for the U17s and playing in the 2025 UEFA European U17 Championship.
More recently, his confident appearance in Liverpool's opening pre-season match against Preston North End has drawn early comparisons to Jamal Musiala — and marked him as one to watch in the upcoming season.
Playstyle
Ngumoha is a dynamic, right-footed attacking midfielder or winger, known for his explosive dribbling, close control, and ability to unlock defences.
Ngumoha in action for England's under 17's. Photo by Nathan Stirk - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
His standout trait is his ability to glide past defenders in one-on-one situations. With a low centre of gravity and tight control, he's difficult to dispossess, often beating his marker with a quick shift of direction or a subtle drop of the shoulder.
While not primarily a goalscorer, Ngumoha has a composed right foot. He's shown he can finish calmly under pressure — particularly from inside the box or when cutting in from the right. As he continues to mature physically and tactically, his goal tally is expected to rise.
One area where Ngumoha can elevate his game is in his decision-making. While he's highly effective on the ball, he can occasionally hold onto it for too long.
Learning when to release the ball — whether through an incisive pass between the lines or a simple back pass to retain possession — will be crucial to his senior-level development. Enhancing his ability to read the game and link with teammates will help him become a more complete and influential attacking player.
The Road Ahead
Liverpool are reportedly set to offer Ngumoha his first professional contract as soon as he turns 17 in August 2025 — and fans are already buzzing about what's to come.
With natural flair, elite technical ability, and growing maturity, Rio Ngumoha is one of Liverpool's brightest young prospects. If he continues on this trajectory, the name could become a regular fixture at Anfield far sooner than anyone expected.
