Yokohama FM vs Liverpool: Result, Ngumoha Goal & MOTM

A 16-year-old scored on his Liverpool debut in front of 67,000 fans in Japan, turning a 1–0 deficit into a 3–1 win over Yokohama FM. The teenage winger signed from Chelsea took the headlines, but the full story involves a second-half surge from players all under 21.

Final Score: Yokohama FM 1–3 Liverpool ·
Liverpool Goalscorers: Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni ·
Man of the Match: Florian Wirtz ·
Ngumoha Transfer Fee (minimum): £2.8 million ·
Match Venue: Yokohama, Japan

The match facts, all confirmed from Liverpool’s official post-match report (Liverpool FC official site), show a crisp turnaround: Yokohama led through Asahi Uenaka early in the second half, then Liverpool scored three unanswered goals.

Six key facts, one pattern: Liverpool’s second-half surge came entirely from players under 21.

The pattern: young attackers turned the game in 30 minutes, a signal for Slot’s depth this season.

Who scored the Yokohama FM vs Liverpool game?

Three Liverpool players got on the scoresheet in the second half, all for the first time in Liverpool colours this pre-season. According to Liverpool FC’s match report (Liverpool FC official site), the goals came in a 30-minute flurry after Yokohama had taken the lead.

What was the final score?

• Yokohama FM 1–3 Liverpool — a comeback victory for the Reds.
• Yokohama took the lead early in the second half through Asahi Uenaka (Liverpool FC).
• All three Liverpool goals came after the 60th minute (Liverpool FC on YouTube).

Which players scored for Liverpool?

• Florian Wirtz — equalised just after the hour mark, his first goal for Liverpool (Liverpool FC).
• Trey Nyoni — put Liverpool ahead shortly after Wirtz’s equaliser (Liverpool FC).
• Rio Ngumoha — completed the scoring late on with a solo goal (Liverpool FC).

Who was the man of the match Liverpool vs Yokohama?

Florian Wirtz was named Man of the Match for his performance in Yokohama. The German midfielder scored his first goal for Liverpool since joining the club, equalising just after the hour mark (Liverpool FC).

Beyond the goal, Wirtz’s influence in the final third was a key factor in Liverpool’s second-half turnaround. Sports Illustrated noted his “commanding presence in midfield” during the match (Sports Illustrated). The pattern: Wirtz is already justifying his transfer fee with match-winning contributions in pre-season.

How much did Ngumoha cost Liverpool?

Liverpool agreed to pay at least £2.8 million for Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old winger signed from Chelsea’s academy (Liverpool FC). The base fee is £2.8 million, with potential add-ons that have not been publicly disclosed.

What is the total fee including add-ons?

• The exact add-on structure has not been confirmed — the official announcement cites only the minimum base fee (Liverpool FC).
• Ngumoha was previously at Chelsea’s academy before making the move to Liverpool in July 2025.

Is Yokohama FM a good team?

Yokohama F. Marinos are one of Japan’s most decorated clubs. They compete in the J1 League, the top tier of Japanese football, and have won multiple domestic titles (Liverpool FC).

What league do they play in?

Yokohama F. Marinos compete in the J1 League, Japan’s premier professional football division.

How many titles have they won?

• They have won multiple J1 League championships, making them a consistent powerhouse in Japanese football.
• Their recent form includes competitive performances against international opposition in pre-season friendlies.

The catch: holding Liverpool to 1–0 for 60 minutes and scoring first suggests Yokohama FM are more than a routine pre-season opponent — they are a well-organized side that can trouble top European clubs on home soil.

Where is Yokohama FM from?

Yokohama F. Marinos is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The club plays its home matches at Nissan Stadium, the same venue where the Liverpool friendly was held (Liverpool FC).

Why this matters for Liverpool fans: the 67,032 attendance shows the club’s strong following in Japan, a key market for Liverpool’s global brand expansion.

“Rio Ngumoha stood out in the closing half-hour of the match, showing composure beyond his years to finish his solo run.”

— Sports Illustrated match report (Sports Illustrated)

“It was a special night for the young lads — Wirtz scoring his first for the club, Ngumoha on debut, and Ekitike getting his first minutes in a Liverpool shirt.”

— Liverpool FC post-match review (Liverpool FC official site)

For Liverpool’s recruitment team, the timing of Ngumoha’s debut goal — just days after his signing was announced — is an ideal narrative. The implication: Arne Slot’s pre-season schedule has given him 67,032 reasons to believe his squad depth is stronger than last season.

Frequently asked questions