Who is Rio Ngumoha? Age, Stats, Style & Future at Liverpool

Recently, a new star has taken over the scene at Anfield. With electric dribbling and beautiful goals during this preseason, scoring three times for the reds and getting multiple starts, the Liverpool faithful are incredibly excited about this new young star. On the second Wonderkid Wednesday, we’re taking a look at this incredibly exciting young winger, who may be set to take over Liverpool in the 25/26 Premier League season.

Player Profile

Name	Rio Bass Ray Ngumoha Adigun
Age	16, born Aug 29 2008
Nationality	England U17 International, eligible for Nigeria
Position	Left Winger
Height	5'7"
Preferred Foot	Right

Rio Ngumoha was born in August 2008 in London. While we don't know much about his youth career, we know he joined Chelsea's youth academy in 2016 before his Eighth birthday. He spent eight years in the academy, before being poached by Liverpool in Summer 2024 as a 15-year old. The move has drawn to comparisons to a 16-year old Jamal Musiala being poached by Bayern in 2019 from Chelsea.

After his move to Liverpool, Ngumoha was recognized by Liverpool as a very special talent. Towards the end of 2024, he was training with the first team under Arne Slot, and just after new year's, he was given his debut, starting an FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley, becoming Liverpool's youngest starter ever. He didn't get another match for Liverpool in 24/25, but kept training with the starters, until this preseason.

The 16-year old has got some big game time this season, and started all of Liverpool's games. He scored three times, the highlight of which being an incredible solo effort two minutes in to Liverpool's 4-1 win over Bilbao.

He's a great technical forward, and uses a perfect blend of technical dribbling and speed to get by his defenders. He doesn't skill much, but is still a great dribbler. His dribbling style is reminiscent of Eden Hazard, perhaps a result of being in Chelsea's academy as a left winger for so long.

In an interview with Inside the Academy, Ngumoha talked about his future ambitions to win the Ballon D'Or someday, and to be regarded as a legend of the game when his career ends. He definitely has the time to do that, and will be just 31 at the end of the 2039/40 season. He also has the tools, a club who believes in him, great support with his teammates, and everything he needs to achieve his goal.

Ngumoha will be hoping to play a big role in Liverpool's season in 2025/26, as Liverpool's Premier League campaign kicks off against Bournemouth on Friday. We all can't wait to see how the young man improves going into this upcoming campaign.