Rio Ngumoha has made Premier League history for Liverpool after scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 win against Newcastle United.
The Reds made life hard for themselves at St James’ Park as the Premier League champions surrendered a two-goal lead in consecutive fixtures this season.
Ryan Gravenberch gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute before former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead two minutes into the second half.
Despite Liverpool supporters berating Simon Hooper for his performance officiating the contest at St James’ Park, he brandished a red card for Anthony Gordon following a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United (10) fouls Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool FC (4) during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle managed to complete a sensational turnaround courtesy of goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula as the Reds had looked destined to drop two points in the North East.
However, Rio Ngumoha emerged from the bench on his Premier League debut and scored the match-winner in the final moments of the match, and his goal now sees the 17-year-old move ahead of Wayne Rooney in the record books.
Rio Ngumoha matches Wayne Rooney’s Premier League record
According to Opta Joe, Ngumoha is now the second 16-year-old to score a winning goal in a Premier League match, Rooney being the other.
Rooney scored his famous goal for Everton against Arsenal in 2002, but now, Ngumoha joins the Scouser – he is one day older than Rooney was.
Ngumoha has been dubbed “generational” due to the significant media interest he has generated in his ability, despite his young age, following his decision to leave Chelsea for the Reds last summer.
Furthermore, Liverpool feel Ngumoha is a “diamond” as he now finds himself as a fully established member of the first-team squad at Anfield.
Amid the constant transfer speculation surrounding the club, Ngumoha’s resurgence acts as a stark reminder that Arne Slot has a talented crop at the AXA Training Centre to call upon.
Ngumoha is now a Premier League wonderkid, as his goal announced his arrival in the top flight against elite-level opposition – his development will be one for Liverpool supporters to watch out for this season.
Rio Ngumoha is the fourth youngest goalscorer in Premier League history
Ngumoha joins an illustrious list of Premier League legends as his goal against Newcastle means the forward is the fourth youngest goalscorer in English top-flight history.
Former Red James Milner features as second on the list and is remarkably the only player outside of Ngumoha still playing football.
James Vaughan (Everton vs Crystal Palace on 10 April 2005) – 16 years, 270 days old
James Milner (Leeds United vs Sunderland on 26 December 2002) – 16 years, 356 days old
Wayne Rooney (Everton vs Arsenal on 19 October 2002) – 16 years, 360 days old
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool vs Newcastle United on 25 August 2025) – 16 years, 361 days old
Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers on 25 August 2004) – 17 years, 113 days old