John Terry, Chelsea’s legendary captain turned academy mentor, has opened up about the sting of losing 16-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha to rivals Liverpool. The young star’s record-breaking goal in a dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle United on August 26, 2025, not only made him Liverpool’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer but also left Terry reflecting on what could have been. In a candid interview, the 44-year-old hailed Ngumoha as a “breath of fresh air” for English football, comparing his flair to icons like Eden Hazard and Joe Cole, while expressing deep regret over Chelsea’s failure to keep him.

Ngumoha, born and raised in Newham, East London, joined Chelsea’s academy at age eight after brief stints at Arsenal and West Ham’s youth setups. His dazzling skills and fearless mentality shone early, catching Terry’s eye when he coached him at the U14 level at Cobham. However, in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha made the bold decision to leave Chelsea for Liverpool, a move that reportedly infuriated the Blues’ hierarchy. Rumors swirled that Chelsea even banned Liverpool scouts from their youth matches in response. For Terry, the departure was personal. “It breaks my heart,” he told SunSport, admitting he still keeps in touch with the teenager, whose ambition to break into a first team drove him to Merseyside.

Terry’s connection with Ngumoha runs deep. As a coach and advisor at Chelsea’s academy, he saw the winger’s potential from the start. “He was special,” Terry recalled, noting Ngumoha’s pivotal role in a formidable U14 squad. His ability to receive the ball with his back to play, combined with a bold personality and unshakable confidence, set him apart. Terry sees echoes of Hazard and Cole in Ngumoha’s flair—a rare quality in an era he believes has become overly tactical and “dry.” “Football’s been missing that excitement,” he said. “Rio’s like a throwback, a player who gets you off your seat.”

Ngumoha’s historic goal against Newcastle, scored at 16 years and 361 days in the 100th minute, underscored his potential. Coming off the bench, he latched onto a Mohamed Salah assist to clinch a thrilling victory, breaking a 23-year-old record set by Michael Owen as Liverpool’s youngest scorer. The moment, which also marked the largest age gap between a goalscorer and assister in the club’s Premier League history, sent fans into a frenzy and validated Ngumoha’s decision to join Liverpool. Terry, watching from afar, wasn’t surprised. “He’s always had that spark,” he said, praising the teenager’s hunger to play at the highest level.

The move to Liverpool wasn’t without controversy. Chelsea’s academy, renowned for producing talents like Cole Palmer and Reece James, has faced criticism for losing young stars. Terry acknowledged that more departures are inevitable, but Ngumoha’s exit stung deeply. “You don’t want to lose players like him,” he said, reflecting on the winger’s unique blend of skill and charisma. Despite the loss, Terry remains supportive, regularly texting Ngumoha and celebrating his success, even if it’s in a rival’s colors.

Ngumoha’s rise has set the stage for a blockbuster clash with Arsenal, where another teenage sensation, Max Dowman, could feature. At 16, Dowman recently became the Premier League’s second-youngest debutant, earning a penalty in Arsenal’s 5-0 rout of Leeds. While Terry respects Dowman’s talent, he believes Ngumoha’s flair gives him the edge. As Liverpool and Arsenal prepare to face off, the spotlight is on these young stars, who represent the future of English football.

Ngumoha’s journey from East London to Anfield is a testament to his ambition and talent. For Terry, it’s a bittersweet moment—a reminder of Chelsea’s loss and a celebration of a player breathing new life into the game.