Rio Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he netted the most unlikely of winners in Monday’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle.
Ngumoha came off the bench with five minutes of stoppage time left to play at St James’ Park, in what seemed a desperate last roll of the dice by Arne Slot.
It ended in the 16-year-old finding the back of the net four minutes later, sealing a 3-2 win and breaking a club record.
At 16 years and 361 days old, Ngumoha is the youngest player ever to score a goal for Liverpool.
His achievement surpasses that of Ben Woodburn, who held the accolade for almost nine years having scored against Leeds aged 17 years, 45 days in November 2016.
Liverpool’s five youngest-ever goalscorers are:
• 1. Rio Ngumoha – 16 years, 361 days
• 2. Ben Woodburn – 17 years, 45 days
• 3. Kaide Gordon – 17 years, 96 days
• 4. Michael Owen – 17 years, 143 days
• 5. Jordan Rossiter – 17 years, 183 days
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring the third goal and his first goal on debut during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That means Ngumoha is the only 16-year-old to ever score for Liverpool’s first team, having also become only the third 16-year-old to make their league debut for the club.
Jack Robinson (16 years, 250 days) remains Liverpool’s youngest-ever league debutant, with Ngumoha third in the list, also behind Harvey Elliott (16 years, 273 days).
Ngumoha will only turn 17 on Friday but is poised to be a permanent first-team player for Arne Slot this season – and certainly did not hurt his chances of increased game time with his cameo against Newcastle.
Liverpool are expected to announce a new long-term contract for the teenager around his birthday, having been unable to tie him down to a professional deal until he is 17.