Liverpool Star Sets New Record in Victory Over Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Youngest Champions League stars as Rio Ngumoha Makes History

Liverpool have always been a club unafraid to hand responsibility to young players on the biggest stage. That tradition reached a new peak this week when Rio Ngumoha stepped off the bench against Atletico Madrid and wrote his name into the record books.

At just 17 years and 19 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League for Liverpool. His introduction was not ceremonial either. Coming on for Florian Wirtz with 16 minutes left, the teenager played a role in helping the Reds secure a late winner to start their European campaign with three points.

It was a moment that highlighted both Ngumoha’s quality and the trust placed in him by Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge.

Antonio Barragan to Billy Koumetio

The story of Liverpool’s youngest Champions League debutants begins in 2005 when Antonio Barragan made history under Rafael Benitez. Signed from Sevilla, the right-back was just 18 years and 59 days old when he appeared in a qualifier against CSKA Sofia. His stay at Anfield was brief, but his record stood for a decade and a half.

Billy Koumetio then broke it in 2020. Aged 18 years and 25 days, the French defender came on against Midtjylland in a Group Stage match. It was an introduction that hinted at a bright future, but after only two senior appearances, Koumetio left permanently in 2024.

Bajcetic and Nyoni’s breakthroughs

Stefan Bajcetic succeeded Koumetio in 2022 with a late substitute appearance against Ajax at Anfield, aged 17 years and 323 days. A few months later he went one better, starting against Real Madrid to become Liverpool’s youngest ever Champions League starter at 18 years and 122 days. Now 20, Bajcetic remains highly regarded and could yet flourish under Slot.

In January 2025, Trey Nyoni claimed the record after coming on in a 3-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven. At 17 years and 213 days old, the midfielder showed enough promise to convince Slot he could be part of Liverpool’s plans this season. Nyoni, who arrived from Leicester City, has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in the squad.

Rio Ngumoha takes centre stage

That brings us to Ngumoha, who has now overtaken his close friend Nyoni. To do so in a tight Champions League game against Atletico Madrid reflects the confidence that Liverpool’s staff already have in him. Slot has been clear about giving young players opportunities if they show the right temperament and Ngumoha’s display suggested he has plenty of it.

His record of 17 years and 19 days may eventually fall, but for now it underlines just how special his rise has been. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts this season, there will be further chances for Ngumoha to shine, and few would bet against him making more history before long.