Image Credits: Imago Images
Rio Ngumoha has been named on the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2025-26 season.
It has been a breakout year for Ngumoha at Anfield.
The teenager wrote himself into Liverpool history back in August when he came off the bench at St James’ Park and slammed in a 100th‑minute winner against Newcastle United, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in the process in a dramatic 3-2 victory.
It truly announced him as the latest prodigy to emerge from Liverpool’s production line. He has added further cameos and key contributions since then, including his first Anfield goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham.
The winger made 29 appearances in total during the 2025/26 season.
He is one of six nominees, alongside Rayan Cherki, Max Dowman, Junior Kroupi, Kobbie Mainoo and Nico O’Reilly, all competing for one of the most prestigious individual honours in the English game.
The winner of the award will be revealed at the PFA’s annual ceremony on August 25, when the standout young performer of the campaign will officially be crowned by his peers.
Ngumoha is currently away with the England group, training with the national-team setup in Florida as part of their preparations.
Tuchel has brought him, along with a handful of other youngsters, into the senior environment to bolster numbers and give them a taste of life at the very top level. However, he has not been named in England’s final World Cup squad.
Whether Ngumoha’s minutes grow under Andoni Iraola will be interesting to see. The Spaniard’s reputation for trusting fearless runners could work in his favour, especially after Arne Slot was often questioned for not unleashing him more regularly during his tenure.
The Top Six for the PFA Young Player of the Year 🏆
Voted for by the players. pic.twitter.com/j8YPhO1Sdw
— PFA (@PFA) June 5, 2026