Rio Ngumoha has made history as the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for Liverpool. At just 16 years and 135 days old, the forward was a surprising inclusion in Arne Slot’s starting lineup for their FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, which was broadcast live on talkSPORT.
Ngumoha moved to Liverpool from Chelsea on his 16th birthday in a deal that angered the Blues. As a result, Chelsea reportedly banned scouts from both Liverpool and Manchester United from attending their academy games following Ngumoha’s departure.
Since joining Liverpool, the promising young Englishman has only played at the Under-18 and Under-19 levels. He was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton and regularly trains with the first team. His selection against Accrington Stanley makes him not only the youngest player to feature in an FA Cup match for Liverpool but also the youngest to start a competitive fixture for the club.
Ngumoha surpasses Harvey Elliott, who was 16 years and 174 days old when he made his debut for Liverpool against MK Dons in the EFL Cup in 2019. Jerome Sinclair remains the youngest player in Liverpool’s competitive history, making an appearance at 16 years and six days in 2012, although he didn’t start the match.
On selecting Ngumoha, Slot explained, “It’s always special when a young player makes his debut, no matter where you are. You understand what it means to the player.”
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