Champions League

Liverpool drop Chiesa and register 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha for Champions League

Liverpool drop Chiesa and register 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha for Champions League

Liverpool have confirmed their 23-man squad for the 2025/26 Champions League, and one decision stood out: Federico Chiesa has been left out, while 17-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha was included as manager Arne Slot’s bold choice.

Rising Star Replaces High-Profile Signing

Chiesa, signed by the Reds in 2024, has lost ground in Slot’s plans and will not feature in Europe’s top club competition this season. Instead, academy graduate Ngumoha was given the nod after making history as the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer, netting a stoppage-time winner against Newcastle in a 3-2 victory.

All of Liverpool’s recent reinforcements have been included in the Champions League list, such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Liverpool’s Champions League Schedule

Liverpool begin their campaign on September 17, away to Atlético Madrid at 4 p.m. (Brasília time). The Reds then face Galatasaray (Sept 30) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Oct 22), both away, before hosting Real Madrid (Nov 4) and PSV (Nov 26).

The group stage continues with trips to Inter Milan (Dec 9) and Olympique de Marseille (Jan 21), before concluding at home against Qarabag on Jan 28, 2026.

Liverpool’s Full Champions League Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvilli, Woodman
  • Defenders: Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Bradley, Leoni, Robertson, Frimpong
  • Midfielders: Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Gravenberch
  • Forwards: Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitiké, Ngumoha

With Chiesa sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Ngumoha, who now has the chance to shine on Europe’s biggest stage and establish himself as one of Liverpool’s next-generation stars.

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