Image Credits: GOAL Global
GOAL has released its annual list celebrating football’s top young talents aged 19 or under. Established in 2016 for men and 2020 for women, this ranking system spotlights the sport’s most promising wonderkids of the year.
NXGN rankings are determined by a panel of football experts from around the world, led by youth football specialists who monitor young talent year-round. The men’s list features 50 players, while the women’s list has expanded from 10 to 25 players since its inception14.
From 2016-2022, one player topped each list as the ultimate winner. However, in 2023, GOAL introduced the “NXGN Nine” – an elite group of nine players considered to have world-class potential.
These players receive special recognition and awards.
To qualify, players must be born after a specific cutoff date (for example, after January 1, 2004 for the 2023 edition).
In 2024’s edition Ben Doak made the list – with the Scot currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Middlesbrough.
And in this year’s edition, GOAL has placed 16-year-old Rio 42nd out of 50 wonderkids ranked.
They add on the youngster:
“Regarded as one of the top prospects in English football, the 16-year-old has wasted little time in making an impact on Merseyside, and Ngumoha’s impressive performances for the Liverpool youth teams led to him becoming the youngest player to ever start a first-team game for the six-time European champions in January.”
John Terry on Rio Ngumoha:
“This boy is and will be a top player.” pic.twitter.com/mTK8OdyN9c
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) September 5, 2024
“He continues to train with Arne Slot’s senior squad, and further opportunities shouldn’t be too far away.”
Rio Ngumoha completed a somewhat controversial move from Chelsea to Liverpool in September 2024, leaving the London club reportedly “furious” at losing what they considered a “generational talent”.
The 16-year-old had spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy, even featuring for their U21s as a 15-year-old.
Ngumoha’s potential was quickly recognized by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who handed him a historic debut on January 11, 2025.
Starting in Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley, Ngumoha wowed the Anfield faithful with his quick feet and dazzling dribbling.
Slot praised the teenager’s performance, particularly highlighting his one-v-one abilities during his 71-minute appearance.
Lamine Yamal ranked first, followed by Chelsea signing Estevao Willian, Pau Cubarsi, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Endrick rounded out the top five.
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