Liverpool’s 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha made history on Monday night, scoring a dramatic late winner in a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The young talent, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer, delivered in the final moments after Newcastle had fought back to level the game at 2-2.
Liverpool had taken the lead through Ryan Gravenberch, with Hugo Ekitike doubling the advantage early in the second half.
Newcastle responded strongly, with Bruno Guimarães and William Osula bringing the score to 2-2 and electrifying the home crowd.
In the tense closing minutes, Mohamed Salah whipped in a low cross that Ngumoha expertly guided into the net, securing all three points for the Reds.
This goal marked Ngumoha’s first Premier League contribution on his debut and made him Liverpool’s youngest ever matchwinner at 16 years and 361 days.
He is now the second youngest 16-year-old to score a decisive Premier League goal, following Wayne Rooney in 2002, and the fourth youngest goalscorer in league history, behind James Vaughan, James Milner, and Rooney.
Though capped by England at youth level, Ngumoha remains eligible to represent Nigeria. With this historic start, he will be keen to continue his development under manager Arne Slot and make more decisive contributions for Liverpool this season.
