At Liverpool Football Club, the past and the future always seem to walk hand in hand. It’s a club where history sings in the rafters of the Kop, and legends are carved out of glorious triumphs and humble beginnings.
But some stories feel almost magical—the moments when a fresh-faced teenager steps onto the pitch for the first time, wide-eyed, full of promise, and carrying the hopes of a fanbase that sees its future in them. Through the decades, Liverpool have introduced us to young prodigies who’ve made their mark, some fleetingly, others enduringly.
Here Are the 12 Youngest Players in Liverpool’s Storied History
12. Raheem Sterling
Debut Age: 17 years, 3 months, 16 days
Debut Match: March 24, 2012 – Wigan Athletic (Premier League)
Imagine being 17 years old and walking out at Anfield, the towering stands humming with anticipation. That was Raheem Sterling’s reality in 2012. Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s king on and off the pitch, thrust the teenager into the limelight during a Premier League game against Wigan.
Sterling wasn’t just fast—he was electrifying, weaving through defenders with the kind of fearlessness only youth can muster. Fans whispered his name, sensing they were witnessing the birth of something special. Just months later, Sterling etched another milestone, becoming the youngest player to feature in Europe for the Reds.
11. Tom Hill
Debut Age: 17 years, 2 months, 4 days
Debut Match: December 17, 2019 – Aston Villa (League Cup)
For Tom Hill, debuting in a 5-0 loss to Aston Villa was less about the result and more about the moment. While Liverpool’s senior squad competed in West Asia, Hill seized his opportunity in a team of academy hopefuls. Born a Red, Hill had spent over a decade at the club, making that night a culmination of his boyhood dreams.
10. Ben Woodburn
Debut Age: 17 years, 1 month, 11 days
Debut Match: November 26, 2016 – Sunderland (Premier League)
Ben Woodburn’s debut hinted at his potential, but it was his record-breaking goal three days later in the League Cup against Leeds that etched his name into history. The roar of the Kop was a fitting welcome for Liverpool’s youngest-ever scorer. Though his senior career didn’t fully blossom, Woodburn’s historic strike remains a cherished reminder of seizing the moment on the big stage.
9. Ben Doak
Debut Age: 16 years, 11 months, 29 days
Debut Match: November 9, 2022 – Derby County (League Cup)
Ben Doak’s debut against Derby County showcased a fearless youngster who thrived under pressure. Signed from Celtic, the Scot immediately impressed with his quick feet and relentless energy. Now gaining valuable experience on loan, Doak’s potential to become a future Kop star keeps the excitement around his journey alive.
8. Ki-Jana Hoever
Debut Age: 16 years, 11 months, 20 days
Debut Match: January 7, 2019 – Wolverhampton Wanderers (FA Cup)
Ki-Jana Hoever’s debut came unexpectedly, subbing in early against Wolves after an injury to Dejan Lovren. The Dutch defender showed remarkable composure for his age, cementing his place in Liverpool’s history books. Though his Anfield career was brief, Hoever’s debut remains a testament to the Reds' commitment to nurturing young talent.
7. Kaide Gordon
Debut Age: 16 years, 11 months, 16 days
Debut Match: September 21, 2021 – Norwich City (League Cup)
Kaide Gordon didn’t just break into Liverpool’s first team—he burst in, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. When the teenager debuted against Norwich in the League Cup, it was clear he wasn’t there to make up the numbers. Smooth on the ball, with an eye for goal, Gordon quickly established himself as one to watch.
Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s praise was effusive: “Kaide is a special talent.” That talent was on full display in January 2022 when Gordon became Liverpool’s youngest-ever FA Cup scorer. Gordon is still fine-tuning his craft, but for those who witnessed his debut, the promise of what’s to come is undeniable.
6. James Norris
Debut Age: 16 years, 8 months, 13 days
Debut Match: December 17, 2019 – Aston Villa (League Cup)
James Norris grew up in Liverpool, dreaming of wearing the famous red shirt. On a December evening in 2019, that dream became a reality. Alongside fellow academy graduates, Norris took to the field against Aston Villa in a League Cup fixture that was more about opportunity than results.
The left-back, small in stature but brimming with determination, held his own despite the scoreline. Since then, Norris has honed his skills on loan at Tranmere Rovers and remains a key player for Liverpool’s reserves.
5. Jack Robinson
Debut Age: 16 years, 8 months, 7 days
Debut Match: May 9, 2010 – Hull City (Premier League)
Jack Robinson’s Premier League debut at just 16 made him the youngest player to feature for Liverpool in the competition. Against Hull City, he showcased his solid defensive skills and composure. While first-team opportunities were limited, Robinson’s journey took him across England, where he now captains Sheffield United.
4. Trey Nyoni
Debut Age: 16 years, 7 months, 29 days
Debut Match: February 28, 2024 – Southampton (FA Cup)
Trey Nyoni may be new to Liverpool’s history books, but his debut was nothing short of electrifying. The Anglo-Zimbabwean forward stepped into an FA Cup clash against Southampton, showing a level of confidence and maturity that belied his tender age.
His movement, strength, and calmness on the ball left fans eagerly anticipating his next outing. Nyoni’s tall frame and poise remind many of great forwards of the past. But at just 16, his story is still in its infancy.
3. Harvey Elliott
Debut Age: 16 years, 5 months, 21 days
Debut Match: September 25, 2019 – MK Dons (League Cup)
By the time Harvey Elliott made his debut for Liverpool, he was already a player of national intrigue. Signed from Fulham, where he had broken records as the youngest-ever Premier League player, Elliott carried immense expectations into his first game against MK Dons.
His composure on the ball and eye for a pass were immediately apparent, and Klopp’s faith in the teenager never wavered. Since that debut, Elliott has become a key part of Liverpool’s midfield.
2. Rio Ngumoha
Debut Age: 16 years, 4 months, 15 days
Debut Match: January 11, 2025 – Accrington Stanley (FA Cup)
The buzz around Rio Ngumoha began long before his debut, but few could have predicted the sheer flair he would bring to his first game. Against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, Ngumoha dazzled with his twists, turns, and fearless attacking intent. At just 16, he looked like a player who belonged on the big stage.
The ex-Chelsea youth player's debut hinted at a star in the making—someone with the confidence and skill to take on defenders and leave them in his wake. Liverpool fans can only hope this is the beginning of an exceptional journey.
1. Jerome Sinclair
Debut Age: 16 years, 6 days
Debut Match: September 26, 2012 – West Brom (League Cup)
Topping the list is Jerome Sinclair, whose debut in 2012 made him Liverpool’s youngest-ever player—a record that still stands. At just 16 years and 6 days old, Sinclair stepped onto the pitch against West Brom in a League Cup tie, fulfilling every young footballer’s dream.
Though his career at Anfield was brief, Sinclair’s debut remains a defining moment. After spells at various clubs across Europe, he hung up his boots at just 27.
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