Liverpool winger, Rio Ngumoha, has expressed his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or, saying Harry Kane’s recent triumph has inspired him to believe he can become the best footballer in the world.
The 18-year-old England international said Kane’s achievement had motivated young English players to pursue the prestigious individual award after the Bayern Munich striker became the first Englishman in 25 years to win it.
Ngumoha, who made a breakthrough at Liverpool last season, earned a place in England’s pre-World Cup camp following his impressive performances.
He is also part of the squad for the Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain this week.
Speaking about Kane’s achievement, Ngumoha said, “[Kane winning] has also helped English football now because everyone’s seen one of us win the Ballon d’Or, it is definitely encouraging many more people to want to be known as the best player in the world.
“For me, I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it.”
Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on October 26, beating France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal to the award.
Ngumoha admitted he had not interacted much with the England captain but said watching him train had provided valuable inspiration.
“I haven’t spoken to him much, really,” Ngumoha added of Kane. “When I first came, I was a bit shy, so I was keeping myself to myself, but then they got me in the group, and just watching him train, watching all the players train, but especially him, like the finishing drills that you see.
“You can see why he won it and why he’s known as the best striker, best player in the world.
“Definitely an inspiration to me, but just to every young player and probably every England player as well. He’s a top guy.”
The teenager also reflected on growing up in Manor Park, east London, describing football as an important means of avoiding crime while acknowledging the support of his family and friends.
“Growing up in Manor Park, everyone knows it’s a tough area,” he said. “But to be fair, I think the people around me and all my friends and family made sure I wasn’t a part of anything that was too rough.
“And I had football, which is a top, top escape route for things like crime and stuff.
“And just having, like I said, having a strong support system around me, just to encourage me to just focus on football and also still be a kid, whether that’s just going out to play football or going out to the movies or something, just little things like that.”
