Ben Woodburn knows better than anyone what it’s like to be the next big thing at Liverpool.
He’s lived through the excitement, the headlines, and the weight of expectation that comes with being tipped as the future of one of football’s most historic clubs.
Nearly a decade has passed since that unforgettable night at Anfield in November 2016, when a 17-year-old Woodburn smashed home against Leeds United in the League Cup to become Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
That record stood for almost nine years until another prodigious talent from the Reds’ academy rewrote history.
In August this year, he was 16-years-old Rio Ngumoha and stunned the footballing world when he came off the bench at St James’ Park and scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United.
At just 16 years and 361 days, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer, taking the record from Woodburn in spectacular fashion.
The moment sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch. Hugo Ekitike, one of the club’s new £80million signings, wrapped his arms around the teenager and lifted him off his feet, as senior teammates piled in to celebrate the historic goal.
It was a night that will be replayed for years to come the birth of what many believe could be another Liverpool star destined for greatness.
For Woodburn, now 26 and plying his trade at Salford City, it was a moment that stirred mixed emotions. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the Welshman admitted that while it wasn’t easy to see his record broken, he couldn’t help but feel proud of the youngster who took his place in the history books.
“I didn’t love it,” Woodburn said with a smile. “But I was really happy for him. For me, I kind of felt in the moment that [the record] didn’t really matter I probably didn’t realise how big it was at the time, so I’d imagine he’s the same.”
“He’s probably just loving playing his football. He’s played since, and he’s been great every time he’s played for Liverpool, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Woodburn’s empathy comes from experience. He was in Ngumoha’s position once the young hope, the academy jewel, the boy who had the Kop chanting his name.
But after that explosive start, his career took a different path.
The winger made just 11 appearances for Liverpool coincidentally the same number of caps he has for Wales before moving on in search of regular football.
Loan spells at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Blackpool and Hearts followed, before he finally left Anfield permanently in 2022 to join Preston North End.
His two years at Deepdale were steady rather than spectacular, and after being released in 2024, Woodburn joined Salford City, where he has found a new rhythm and sense of confidence.
He registered three goals and seven assists in League Two last season, and has started the current campaign brightly with two goals and two assists already.
But while Woodburn’s story serves as a reminder of how unpredictable football can be, his admiration for Ngumoha’s attitude and talent is genuine.
“Liverpool have just signed Isak and Ekitike for over £80million each,” he said. “It’s so difficult for a 17-year-old lad to play, but I was surprised how many games he’s played already.”
“To me he looks like he could be one of the best wingers in the world at one point, so hopefully he can kick on and do that.”
Those words carry real weight coming from someone who knows the pitfalls and pressures of early success.
Woodburn understands that talent alone isn’t enough resilience, patience and mentality matter just as much.
Since that unforgettable night at St James’ Park, Ngumoha’s opportunities have been limited, as Arne Slot continues to carefully manage the teenager’s development.
With Liverpool’s squad packed with attacking options including the likes of Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo minutes are hard to come by for any youngster, let alone a 17-year-old.
But Ngumoha’s maturity and composure have already impressed both fans and coaching staff. Whenever he’s been handed the chance, he’s looked fearless, confident on the ball, sharp in tight spaces, and unafraid to take on senior defenders.
For Slot, that’s exactly the kind of attitude he wants from a young player pushing for more opportunities.
For Woodburn, those fleeting chances can make all the difference. He knows how crucial it is for Ngumoha to stay grounded and keep working behind the scenes, even when the spotlight fades.
“When I was that age, I don’t think I really appreciated how big everything was,” he reflected. “I just played and enjoyed it maybe too much at times. It can be tough when you’re suddenly expected to live up to a label like ‘Liverpool’s next big star.’ It takes a lot to handle that.”
Ngumoha, by contrast, seems to be taking everything in his stride.
Breaking Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer record is one thing. Living up to it is another entirely. But if Rio Ngumoha’s early signs are anything to go by, Ben Woodburn’s prediction might not be far off the mark that this calm, confident teenager could one day develop into one of the very best wingers in world football.
