Rio Ngumoha is an emerging English attacking talent whose early rise has already drawn attention on and off the pitch, including among collectors and memorabilia fans on Walkouts. Born in London, he is best known for his pace, creativity and eye for goal as a left winger or attacking midfielder, and for making record-breaking first team appearances for Liverpool at a notably young age.
Ngumoha began his formal football education in the academy system, joining Chelsea at the age of eight. He progressed through the age groups and was part of the Chelsea side that won the U17 Premier League Cup in April 2024, scoring in the 3-1 final victory over Wolves. That success helped to underline his reputation as a skillful, creative forward and brought him wider attention ahead of a move the following summer.
In the summer of 2024 Ngumoha completed a transfer to Liverpool, and he rapidly integrated into the club's development pathway. He trained with the first team in the autumn of the 2024-25 season, and was named among the substitutes for an EFL Cup tie on 18 December 2024. His first professional start came in the FA Cup on 11 January 2025, when he began Liverpool's 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley. At 16 years, 135 days he became the youngest Liverpool player to appear in the FA Cup and the youngest player to start a first team game in the club's history.
Ngumoha's progression continued into pre-season and senior competition. He travelled with the senior squad on the July 2025 tour to Hong Kong and Japan, and impressed in several friendlies with two goals and two assists across four games. On 25 August 2025 he made his Premier League debut as a late substitute and scored in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win at Newcastle United, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool history and delivering one of the club's most dramatic late winners.
On the international stage Ngumoha has represented England at various youth levels. He made England under-15 and under-16 appearances in 2023, played for the England U17s in October 2024 and was called up for the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He later made his England U19 debut on 3 September 2025. Born in England, he is of Nigerian and Guadeloupean descent and holds Nigerian and French nationality through his parents.
For collectors, Rio Ngumoha's early milestones make related items especially desirable for provenance-aware buyers. Items such as a signed shirt, an authentic autograph, or match-used memorabilia tied to specific debut dates carry clear provenance value, especially when accompanied by certification and club provenance. Pieces linked to milestone matches, including the U17 Premier League Cup 2023-24 final and his senior debut dates, are particularly notable for curated collections and official merchandise showcases.
Ngumoha was also recognised in national scouting lists, appearing in The Guardian's Next Generation 2024 feature as one of the Premier League's standout youth prospects. That recognition, together with recorded match milestones and verified autographs, strengthens the appeal of authenticated collectibles for fans and exhibitors.
As Rio Ngumoha's career unfolds, his combination of early first team impact and documented achievements creates a clear narrative for both football supporters and memorabilia collectors. Walkouts will continue to track authenticated pieces tied to his key moments, while collectors can look to signed shirts, certified autographs and verified match items as durable ways to celebrate his emerging legacy.
