“I believe I can win the Ballon d’Or.”
Rio Ngumoha marked a pivotal moment in his Liverpool career when, at just 16 years old, he became the match-winner in a thrilling encounter against Newcastle. With Liverpool on the brink of relinquishing a two-goal lead against a 10-man Newcastle at the electrifying St. James’ Park, manager Arne Slot brought Ngumoha on just six minutes into stoppage time. Remarkably, he clinched all three points for the Reds with a stunning finish only four minutes later. This achievement made him the fourth youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and just the second 16-year-old to score a winning goal, following in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney. This moment was Ngumoha’s grand entrance onto the biggest stage, although he has long been recognized as a generational talent.
The English youth international became Liverpool’s youngest ever player to start a match during his FA Cup debut against Accrington Stanley in January. The acquisition of Ngumoha from Chelsea in September sparked outrage at Stamford Bridge, as Liverpool secured the highly-rated academy graduate for a minimal fee. Chelsea legend and former U18 coach John Terry praised Ngumoha, describing him as a ‘top, top player’ destined for greatness. While Slot has an array of elite attacking talents at his disposal, there is speculation that Ngumoha could establish himself as a regular in the first team at Liverpool.
Will Rio Ngumoha Thrive in His Breakthrough Liverpool Season?
Since joining Anfield, Ngumoha has quickly caught Slot’s attention during first-team training and was named on the bench for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton in December. His debut followed in the next month, with Slot acknowledging Ngumoha’s incredible talent: “You can see why he’s a top talent; he’s just 16 years old.” The manager stated, “Rio has been with us for half a season, and every training session showcases his qualities. He can dominate 1v1 situations, and I’m always pleased when a debutant demonstrates what we see in practice.”
Ngumoha embodies the classic winger, relishing opportunities to attack and take on defenders. His lightning-fast feet and precise control enable him to outmaneuver opponents, and his explosive speed allows him to break away. Fearless and self-assured, Ngumoha is open about his aspirations for the future. “I genuinely believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day,” he declared in an interview with Inside the Academy. “I want to be recognized as one of the best players to ever play the game and become a legend.” The Liverpool prodigy has made a strong impact this season, and he will cherish his winning goal against Newcastle for the rest of his career.
