Ex-Liverpool star whose son plays for Reds reveals what Rio Ngumoha's emergence truly means

Ex-Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse has expressed optimism for his son's future at the club, inspired by the rise of young star Rio Ngumoha. The then-16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a dramatic late goalagainst Newcastle United in August, securing a crucial 3-2 win for the Reds.

Now 17, Ngumoha has been named in Liverpool's Champions League squad, making the cut ahead of Federico Chiesa as he continues his impressive ascent. Even Mohamed Salah has offered him words of wisdom, a testament to the impact the youngster has already had.

Cisse, who enjoyed a successful stint at Anfield from 2004-2007, winning both the Champions League and FA Cup, has a personal stake in the club's youth development. His son, Prince Kobe, 16, has been part ofLiverpool's academy for several years and signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2024.

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Prince Kobe made his debut for the U18s last season at just 15 years and seven months old. Speaking to Ladbrokes, Cisse 44, said Ngumoha's breakthrough is a positive sign for those in Liverpool's academy.

"To be honest, Rio Ngumoha's emergence is a sign of the new football; if you're good, even if you're young, you're going to have a chance," Cisse said.

"You know, nowadays - even at a club like Liverpool - it's not about how old you are, it's about how good you are... that's the kind of football I like! It's good for me because my son, Prince Kobe, is currently playing for the club, so I'm happy that the manager trusts young players."

Ngumoha's rapid rise has supporters and everyone associated with the club excited that the former Chelsea academy prospect could flourish into something special at Anfield. Yet club legend John Barnes has urged those anticipating more spectacular displays from the teenager to allow Ngumoha's development to progress naturally, cautioning against excessive pressure too early.

"Let him grow slowly," Barnes said. "We remember [ex-Arsenal and England winger] Theo Walcott, he was the same at 16. Let's not put too much expectation on him, and Liverpool will handle him well.

"He's not going to be a starter for Liverpool anytime soon. But to involve him in the squad, keep his feet on the ground, let him grow slowly, he's at the right club for that because Liverpool know how to handle their youngsters."

Ngumoha's dramatic intervention against the Magpies arrived after the Reds had surrendered a two-goal advantage, with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike appearing to have secured victory for Slot's team. Nevertheless, Cisse believes that the Reds' stubborn determination in ultimately claiming all three points demonstrated the characteristics of title winners.

"It wasn't easy – it really wasn't the easiest way to do it – but Liverpool managed to win against Newcastle," said the former Auxerre player. "The way they did it was the mark of a team who want to show that they're not here to play around.

"They're here to win titles. Even with a lot of new players and a lot of young players, they're not here to play around. Winning with the last kick of the game after almost throwing it away sends a real message to the other teams. It's in the DNA of the club to never give up and to always fight until the end."

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