The Premier League has always been a platform for young talents to shine, and the list of youngest goalscorers is a testament to that. From the established legends like Wayne Rooney to the emerging stars like Rio Ngumoha, these players have all left their mark on the league at a remarkably young age.
Recently, the spotlight has been on Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, who at 16 years and 361 days, became the fourth-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history. Ngumoha, born on August 29, 2008, is of Nigerian descent and began his football journey at Chelsea's academy before moving to Liverpool in the summer of 2024. He made his senior debut for Liverpool in January 2025 in an FA Cup match. He scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United on August 25, 2025, securing a 3-2 victory for his team. This goal not only earned Liverpool three crucial points but also etched his name in the club's history as their youngest-ever goalscorer.
Ngumoha's versatility allows him to play as a left winger or attacking midfielder, and his flair, dribbling ability, and composure have impressed many. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Ngumoha's maturity and fearless style of play, with teammates also tipping him for future stardom.
While Ngumoha's achievement is remarkable, he is not the youngest ever to score in the Premier League. That honor belongs to James Vaughan, who scored for Everton against Crystal Palace in April 2005 at the age of 16 years and 270 days. Vaughan's record has stood for over 20 years, a testament to the difficulty of breaking into the Premier League at such a young age.
In second place is James Milner, who scored for Leeds United against Sunderland in December 2002 at 16 years and 356 days. Milner has enjoyed a long and successful Premier League career, currently playing for Brighton. His longevity highlights the potential for these young goalscorers to build lasting careers in the sport.
Wayne Rooney, one of the Premier League's all-time greats, ranks third on the list. He scored his first Premier League goal for Everton against Arsenal in October 2002, just 16 years and 360 days old. Rooney's goal was a stunning strike that announced his arrival on the scene and marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
These young goalscorers represent the future of the Premier League. Their achievements inspire aspiring footballers and demonstrate that age is no barrier to success. As these players continue to develop, they will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the league for years to come.