Liverpool have a squad full of world-class footballers, none more so than Mohamed Salah. The winger has been one of the finest players on the planet ever since his move to Anfield in 2017, and has even put himself into contention for the 2025 Ballon d'Or with an incredible title-winning season under his belt.
The newest superstar added to Arne Slot's ranks is German international Florian Wirtz. Said to have similar traits to Lionel Messi, according to ex-Red Xabi Alonso, the 22-year-old has big things ahead of him in the game, with his £100m+ transfer fee adding to that expectation.
Then add Virgil van Dijk into the mix. Liverpool's captain has been the closest to winning the biggest individual prize in world football. The Dutch defender was just beaten to the Golden Ball by Messi in 2018. However, none of the three biggest stars at Anfield have declared their belief they can win the Ballon d'Or. But one man has.
'I Truly Believe I Can Win the Ballon d'Or'
Liverpool youngster has a lot of confidence in his ability
While the previously mentioned trio have every right to throw their own names into the hat when it comes to the biggest accolades on offer, the true belief comes from someone who has only played one competitive game for the Reds' senior team.
Slot handed Ngumoha his first-team debut in an FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley during the 2024-25 season. The 16-year-old showed glimpses of what he could do in that 72-minute display, but firmly believes there's more to come.
Rio Ngumoha in front of Anfield Related
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Signing from Chelsea's youth academy in 2024, Ngumoha shared the brilliant advice he received from former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling. Per talkSPORT, the young winger said: "One player who has spoken to me is Raheem Sterling. He has been top.
"I remember one time, he pulled me to the side and told me 'When you lose the ball, make sure you stay in the game'. Because at the top level, everything happens so fast so you have to be on it to do your thing.
"It made me feel like I can do what he has done. He is telling me that he can see what I am good at, from someone like Raheem, I was like 'wow.'"
That advice from Sterling and his dazzling performances at youth level have the teenager dreaming of being among the best players - not only of today - but in football history. He even made the audacious claim that he feels he can win the most prestigious individual honour:
"I truly believe I can win the Ballon d'Or one day. I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game."
John Terry Expects Big Things of Ngumoha
He reacted to the youngster's Chelsea departure
England legend John Terry worked with Ngumoha in the Chelsea academy before he moved to Anfield. After it was announced that the Merseysiders had pulled off the coup, which the Blues were angry about, the retired defender posted a message wishing the youngster well, before adding:
"This boy is and will be a top, top player."