Rio Ngumoha on escaping crime, leaving Chelsea and his England dream

Rio Ngumoha, born to be a football star, faced early challenges in his journey. At just six or five years old, he experienced his first taste of the fast-track treatment in football, causing him to panic and walk off the pitch. This moment of fear sparked his determination to toughen up, leading to his rapid progress. By the age of 18, Ngumoha became the youngest player in the senior England squad, selected by manager Thomas Tuchel for consecutive camps.

Despite his talent, he faced a daunting commute from Chelsea’s Cobham training ground to matches, which often took over two hours each way. Ngumoha’s family, particularly his mum Liz and brother James, were instrumental in keeping him on the right path. James, now his agent, saw the talent in him from a young age and stood by him throughout his journey.

Ngumoha’s decision to join Liverpool in 2024, instead of staying at Chelsea, was driven by a desire for a new challenge and a straightforward pathway to the first team. Liverpool’s management recognized his immense potential and ensured he would become a star player for them. Ngumoha has no regrets about the move, praising the support and enthusiasm of Liverpool’s fanbase as the best in the world.

He is now a regular for Liverpool under manager Andoni Iraola and finds himself on the brink of superstardom, both for club and country.