Liverpool fans witnessed a thrilling start to the club’s first match at Anfield since May, highlighted by the outstanding performance of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The young attacker emerged as the focal point for the Reds, scoring an early spectacular goal and contributing significantly to Liverpool’s quick lead against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, 2025.

Ngumoha, who has impressed throughout Liverpool’s preseason tour in the Far East—where he scored a notable solo goal against Yokohama F. Marinos—was handed a starting position in the first of two matches versus Bilbao. His impact was immediate; within 90 seconds, he carried the ball from the halfway line to the edge of the penalty box before curling a precise shot beyond Bilbao’s keeper Alex Padilla. This strike drew raucous applause from the home fans and acclaim from commentators, with Sky Sports reporters calling it a "stunning goal" and a "sumptuous finish." His performance underlined his potential to become a regular part of Liverpool’s first-team plans this season[1][2].

Just minutes after his goal, Ngumoha demonstrated his versatility by assisting. He cleverly nodded down a cross from teammate Ben Doak, allowing striker Darwin Nunez to score Liverpool’s second goal. This combination of creativity and goal-scoring talent showcased why Ngumoha is rapidly gaining attention and staking a strong claim for inclusion in Liverpool’s senior squad under manager Arne Slot[2].

The young ex-Chelsea prospect’s blend of speed, skill, and composure has left journalists and fans alike excited about his future. His recent performances suggest that Liverpool’s investment in Ngumoha is already paying dividends, bolstering squad depth ahead of the new season[1][3]. Video highlights capture his impressive skills and confirm the buzz surrounding this promising talent[4][5].