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

Liverpool's 18-year-old England international Rio Ngumoha discusses his journey from east London, his move from Chelsea to Anfield aged 16, and his rapid rise to Tuchel's senior squad.

Rio Ngumoha has become England's youngest player in the senior squad at 18, already earning his third call-up under Thomas Tuchel this month. The Liverpool starlet grew up in Newham, east London, where he credits his family—particularly his mother Liz and older brother James—with keeping him focused on football as an escape route from the dangers of his rough neighbourhood.

Ngumoha's precocious talent emerged early; he recalls being moved up to play with older children at age five or six, initially frightening him before he realised he could compete. His journey to the top required significant sacrifice, including a gruelling two-hour commute from school to Chelsea's Cobham training ground via two trains and two tubes, often returning home around 11pm.

Despite Chelsea's faith in his potential—academy coaches believed he could win the Ballon d'Or—Ngumoha made the bold decision to join Liverpool in 2024 aged 16, seeking a new challenge. The move upset Chelsea, who were awarded at least £2.8m in compensation by tribunal, potentially rising to £6.8m with add-ons. Ngumoha has expressed no regrets, confident the switch was the right decision for his development.