Liverpool fans praise Real Madrid’s youngster Rio Ngumoha and Rodrygo
Teen forward draws comparisons to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo after standout performance in pre-season win
Liverpool supporters are celebrating the rise of Rio Ngumoha, the club’s latest teenage prospect, after the 16-year-old striker scored a sensational goal in the Reds’ 4-1 pre-season victory over Athletic Club on Monday (5 August).
Ngumoha, who has already featured in four pre-season matches under new head coach Arne Slot, opened the scoring with an impressive solo effort, collecting the ball in Liverpool’s defensive half before sprinting to the edge of the area and finding the back of the net.
The Reds’ other goals came from Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, and an own goal by Alex Padilla.
Ngumoha Impresses With Maturity and Skill
Despite his age, Ngumoha is already making a name for himself at Anfield. He now has three goals and one assist in four friendlies this pre-season. Slot has consistently trusted the youngster, and his decision appears to be paying off.
The forward made his senior debut last season in the FA Cup, playing 75 minutes in a 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley on January 11. Over the 2024/25 campaign, Ngumoha rotated between the U-18, U-19, and U-21 squads, scoring across all levels.
- U-18: 12 matches, 1 goal, 3 assists
- U-19: 6 matches, 1 assist
- U-21: 9 matches, 2 goals
Though he never played for the England U-16 side—his actual age category—Ngumoha was fast-tracked through the youth ranks due to his standout performances.
Fans Compare Ngumoha to Rodrygo
Ngumoha’s performance against Athletic Club has sparked excitement across social media, with several fans comparing him to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who has been loosely linked with Liverpool in recent transfer windows.
“Who needs Rodrygo? We’ve got Rio Ngumoha ,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a clip of the goal.
Another added: “Dude is already better than Rodrygo, lol.”
The comparisons, though early, show the level of enthusiasm surrounding the teenager’s potential. With Liverpool in a period of transition, fans see Ngumoha as a future cornerstone of the club’s attacking lineup.
Who needs Rodrygo? We’ve got Rio Ngumoha 💎 pic.twitter.com/z37KCuHJev
— Rizy (@Rizy_LFC) August 4, 2025
