English-Nigerian Rio Ngumoha becomes youngest player to feature in European competition for Liverpool

Liverpool’s 17-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha etched his name into the club’s history books on Wednesday night, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for the Reds in a major European competition.

The teenage forward’s appearance came during Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 UEFA Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Ngumoha, who was born in England but is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, continues to attract attention for his rapid rise through the ranks.

The Super Eagles-eligible forward remains uncapped at senior level, leaving the door open for a potential international future with either England or Nigeria.

Liverpool looked to be in complete control of the contest after a blistering start. Andrew Robertson opened the scoring within minutes before Mohamed Salah doubled the advantage to send the home supporters into raptures.

Atletico Madrid, however, responded with characteristic resolve as Marcos Llorente struck twice to level the game and silence Anfield.

With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk produced a towering header to secure all three points for Arne Slot’s side.

Yet much of the post-match discussion centred on Ngumoha’s historic debut at 17 years and 19 days — a milestone that places him just behind Jack Wilshere as one of the youngest English players to appear in the Champions League.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer and immediately caught the eye in pre-season with goals against Athletic Bilbao, Stoke City and Yokohama F. Marinos.

He further underlined his promise with a last-minute winner on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

His cameo against Atletico marks another step in a meteoric rise for a player tipped to become one of the brightest prospects of his generation.