16-year-old Rio Ngumoha becomes youngest starter ever for Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha has become Liverpool's youngest-ever starter. The England international has been included in the starting lineup for Liverpool in the FA Cup third-round clash against Accrington Stanley.

At just 16 years, 4 months and 14 days old, the forward has broken the record previously set by Trey Nyoni (16 years, 8 months, 8 days) in the prestigious competition in February of last year. Jerome Sinclair, who featured at the age of 16 years and six days in 2012, remains the youngest player in the Reds' competitive history - but he did not start the match.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke about the young talent ahead of the game as he told reporters: "It is always special when a young player makes his debut, no matter which country you are in. You know what it means to the player. He is a young kid who has been with us for half a season. He has trained mostly with the Under-21s but sometimes with us. But when he has been with us, he isn't afraid to do what he is good at - taking players on. I hope he gets the chance to show his quality."

Ngumoha joined the Merseyside club last summer after expressing his wish to leave the Chelsea Academy. The move was green-lit by the Premier League after it had been on standby for two months.

 

January 11, 2025