Premier League
Rio Ngumoha Shuns “Noise” After Scoring Liverpool Winner
The 16-year-old scored in the 10th minute of stoppage-time to give the Reds a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle.
Liverpool hero Rio Ngumoha said he will not “get too carried away with all the noise” after the “crazy” feeling of scoring a dramatic late winner against Newcastle at the age of 16 years and 361 days.
Ngumoha became the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history as his cool strike in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage-time secured a 3-2 victory for the Reds at St James’ Park on Monday night.
He also entered the Liverpool record books as their youngest scorer.
“I was happy to score, I’m buzzing,” Ngumoha told TalkSPORT. “I heard them screaming my name and that’s a very sensational moment.
“But you just can’t get too carried away with all the noise, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times on the training ground.
“So it’s no different with the fans (here). But the fans backing you there is just crazy.”
Ngumoha was born in Newham in East London on August 29, 2008 and turns 17 on Friday.
He joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2024.
Ngumoha said: “I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play with the older players.
“I want to prove that I can play with people not just my age, many ages above.
“People at the club are always helping me and I’m always learning and improving.
“Normally, last season especially, the Academy coaches and even the first-team coaches, are always saying, ‘Make the back post, make the back post’.
“The fact that I made the back post is just crazy…when I saw it with Mo (Salah) and then Dom (Szoboszlai) putting it through his legs, I was like one-v-one and I just smashed it.”
Ngumoha’s winner came after Liverpool had let slip a two-goal lead against 10-man Newcastle, who had Anthony Gordon sent off at the end of the first half.
He said: “The mentality is one thing that shouldn’t get overlooked.
“Being mentally strong, us coming back and really believing in ourselves, that’s what the champions are about.”
Irishnews.com
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoJude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoTed Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202611 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoKylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis11 hours agoAndoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News19 hours agoTony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard