Liverpool youngster Josh Sonni-Lambie produced a magical moment with a sensational goal from just after the halfway line in the U18s’ 5-1 victory at Stoke City in their 2025-26 league campaign opening game.
Full-back DJ Esdaille gave Liverpool the lead with a fine finish before Joe Bradshaw doubled the advantage with a brilliant strike from a set-piece, before Sonni-Lambie produced the best moment of the game
Spotting goalkeeper Lucas Knight off his line, the young striker unleashed a powerful effort from just past the halfway line that flew over the keeper and into the net, leaving teammates and fans in disbelief.
Finn Inglethorpe, son of academy director Alex Inglethorpe, extended Liverpool’s lead while Tom McNally scored a consolation goal for Stoke before an own-goal from Sanchez Phillips completed the scoring.
Sonni-Lambie’s outrageous strike was the major highlight of the game, with the goal being an early contender for the club’s Goal of the Season award.
The youngster’s goal reminded fans of the exploits of legend Xabi Alonso, famous for scoring long-range goals during his time at the Reds.
The former Spain international scored from his own half in an FA Cup clash with Luton Town in January 2006 before doing the same in a Premier League campaign against Newcastle United in September.
While Sonni-Lambie still has a long way to go before breaking into the first team, moments like this underline his exciting potential.
He joined Liverpool as a U14 player after being spotted playing grassroots football in London.
The promising English youngster debuted for the U18s at the age of 16 in the 2023/24 season. He was the side’s league top scorer last season with 12 goals.
Sonni-Lambie is expected to play a key role for the U18s this season, alongside Bradshaw, who is considered the best finisher across the youth teams.
