I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play.
Rio Ngumoha could hardly hide his joy after writing his name into Liverpool’s history books on Monday night.
At just 16 years and 361 days old, the teenage forward became the youngest player ever to score for the Reds when he struck a dramatic 100th-minute winner in Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
“I’m buzzing! I’m so happy to score, especially the winner. It’s a proud and special moment,” the youngster said after the match, still beaming from his late heroics.
Ngumoha’s composure in front of goal belied his age, but he credited his coaches for instilling the instincts that put him in the right place at the right time.
“From the Academy to the first team, they’re always telling me: ‘Make the back post, make the back post.’ When I saw Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] play it through, I knew I just had to be there. One-v-one, and I smashed it.”
The roar of the away fans chanting his name capped off what he described as “a sensational moment,” but Ngumoha is determined to keep his feet on the ground.
“I don’t want my age to define me or make people think I can’t play with the older players,” he explained. “I want to prove I belong here, and every day I’m learning and improving thanks to the people around me.”
For Liverpool, it was three points snatched at the death. For Ngumoha, it was the night he announced himself to the football world — a teenager living his dream, and already etching himself into Anfield folklore.
