Welcome to Rio Ferdinand Presents, the destination for any football fan who wants the biggest names, the best analysis and authentic reactions to everything fans discuss in their WhatsApp groups. From a leader on the pitch to one of the most respected voices in world football, Rio invites you to sit back in your home or on your commute to enjoy his three distinctive shows, Rio Presents, Rio Meets and Rio Reacts.
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This is Ollie Watkins reflecting on a journey that very few footballers ever experience - opening up on going from League Two and non-league football to scoring one of England’s biggest goals in recent history. Chilling with Rio in his Airbnb, Watkins reveals why he still thinks about those early days every time he walks out for Aston Villa in the Champions League. Despite becoming one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards, Watkins remains hugely grounded throughout this conversation ...
João Pedro opens up on the pressure and sacrifices behind his journey from Brazil to the Premier League - revealing how his mum quitting her job to support his football dream made him realise at just 15 years old that he had no choice but to succeed. Whilst relaxing in Rio's Airbnb, Joao reveals how he was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, João explains why he became obsessed with doing extra work after moving to England and how switching from winger to striker completely changed h...
Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to react to the end of the Premier League season - including why Bruno Fernandes deserves to be Player of the Year and why Rio believes his numbers alongside better attacking players next season could be “a madness”. The trio also discuss Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United, the scale of the rebuild still needed at Old Trafford and whether signing Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer would actually make sense for the club. Arsenal’s title-winn...
As everyone awaits confirmation of Michael Carrick being named as Manchester United manager, Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to discuss the reasons INEOS have finally backed him, whether the fanbase is truly united behind the decision and why Rio believes the club now has no choice but to fully commit to the ‘Carrick project’. The trio debate criticism around Carrick’s appointment, the idea he’s somehow landed the role “by default” and what his football identity actually is. Rio also i...
After the journey from the training ground where Casemiro discussed his career before joining Manchester United, on their arrival at Old Trafford, him and Rio discuss everything about his time in Manchester whilst sitting in the Stretford End and paying tribute to the supporters. From dealing with “disrespectful” comments from pundits to helping younger players like Kobbie Mainoo through difficult times, nothing is off limits here as Casemiro opens up and surprises Rio even more. The pair discus...
Rio picks Casemiro up from the Manchester United training ground to take him to Old Trafford where he’ll discuss his time at the club. But to make the most of the time spent with the Brazilian captain - Rio finds out so much about Casemiro’s life in Brazil, his hopes for the World Cup and how Carlo Ancelotti became his true friend (and how he still smokes in the dressing room when addressing the Brazilian players). There’s amazing detail about how he played alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos i...
Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to break down Manchester United’s frustrating performance against Sunderland and why the reaction from some fans has gone completely over the top. While Ste labels the display “terrible”, Rio pushes back on the idea that one bad performance should suddenly end the discussion around Michael Carrick’s future - arguing that supporters are being disrespectful both to Sunderland and to the wider rebuilding process at Old Trafford. The trio also debate what Un...
This episode delves into Manchester United's recent victory against Liverpool, spotlighting Kobbie Mainoo's match-winning performance and the pivotal role of manager Michael Carrick in developing young talent and achieving success despite squad challenges. The hosts also debate England's midfield depth and selection problems, criticize Arsenal's use of Myles Lewis-Skelly, and discuss other tactical insights from legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and the potential of Vincent Kompany. The show opens with Rio addressing his recent public spat with Jamie Carragher.
Anderson sits down with Rio Ferdinand for one of the most honest and unexpected Rio Meets yet — a story that goes far beyond football and one that’s been requested by thousands of you for many years. From leaving home at 11 and living in a football stadium without any parents, to becoming a Golden Boy winner and signing for Manchester United via Jorge Mendes, Anderson opens up on the reality behind the journey - including why money, not passion, drove his early international career. He reveals w...
Fresh off winning “YouTube Channel of the Year” at the British Sports Journalism Awards, Rio Ferdinand is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to break down Manchester United’s performance against Brentford and what it really says about this team. Casemiro’s record-breaking numbers spark a bigger debate: how do Manchester United replace him? And do those replacements have the mentality required to thrive under the pressure of Old Trafford? Rio also gives his honest take on Michael Carrick’s time a...
This is Paul Pogba like you’ve never seen him before. In one of his most open and honest conversations, Pogba sits down with Rio Ferdinand to talk through the moments that defined his career and the personal struggles that shaped the person behind the player. From growing up at Manchester United’s academy alongside (and fighting) Ravel Morrison, to learning from legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio himself, Pogba reveals what it really took to survive in one of football’s most demanding...
Rio is joined by two former captains of Manchester United, Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra to analyse everything that’s happened at the club this season and look ahead to what needs to be put in place ahead of the next campaign. After Cole Palmer said he was happy at his club as long as there was Champions League football and Manchester United inflicted a damaging defeat in their pursuit of European football, Giggs has his say on whether Carrick should sign Cole Palmer from Chelsea. Evra warns the M...
Welcome back to Rio Presents, brought to you by CRAFTD. We’re live and direct after a huge weekend in the title race, with plenty to get into following Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea and another frustrating chapter for Arsenal. The conversation starts with a closer look at the impact of half-time decisions, and how the contrast between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta is becoming more and more evident when games are on the line. Rio also reflects on dressing room moments from his own career,...
As attention switches back to the Premier League and Manchester United’s Champions League qualification - Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to discuss the midfield and how it needs to be improved in the transfer window along with a potential signing from Holland that nobody is talking about. There’s discussion about Arsenal’s title run-in after a shock defeat to Championship side Southampton. After Max Dowman was the Gunners’ stand-out performer in that match, Rio goes into detail of how...
Rio Meets is where the biggest names in football tell the stories you’ve never heard before and in this episode Gabriel Jesus sits down with Rio Ferdinand for one of his most open and revealing interviews yet. From growing up in a favela playing football outside a prison, to sharing a dressing room with legends at Manchester City, Jesus reflects on the journey that shaped him — both as a player and a person. When discussing Arsenal’s title challenge, Jesus describes the difference in leadership ...
With only 90 minutes of international football before Thomas Tuchel names his England World Cup squad, Rio Ferdinand sits down with Joel Beya and Ste Howson to break down the real decisions facing England - and it’s not as straightforward as people think. From inside insight into the England camp, to the big calls Thomas Tuchel has to make, you’ll hear Rio pick his starting XI for the important knockout matches and the truth about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the squad. There’s analysis...
One of the most iconic goalscorers sits down with Rio to reveal what made him so lethal as an Argentina and Serie A number 9. Having shared a dressing room and friendship with the legendary Diego Maradona, Batistuta reveals what it was like for team mates and managers to share a dressing room and feed off his persona. Batistuta gives some amazing insight into the life of Maradona and how his upbringing led to an extraordinary life of fame and success both on and off the pitch before a sad demise...
From 255 goals to unforgettable Champions League nights, Salah has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool history. But with declining form, behind-the-scenes tension, and major financial decisions, the club has agreed to an early exit. In this video, we break down: 🔥 The official announcement of Salah’s departure 📉 His recent drop in form ⚠️ The drama with manager Arne Slot 🏆 His incredible Liverpool legacy 🌍 Where he could go next (Saudi? MLS?) 💰 Why Liverpool made th...
Rio is joined by Joel Beya and Ste Howson to analyse Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final where they pay particular attention to Mikel Arteta’s decision to stick with number 2 goalkeeper Kepa. Rio reveals why he thought that was a big mistake both tactically and in terms of the mentality it showed. There is a defence of Declan Rice who Rio believes “couldn’t do his job” because of the lack of service and praise for Pep Guardiola’s tactics that may have shown other Premier...
Rio is joined by Ste and Joel for the episode which discusses how Bruno Fernandes is moving into Ronaldo and Messi territory with his unbelievable numbers at Manchester United. Rio mounts a defence of former team mate Michael Carrick after people suggested his perceived lack of “charisma” is a reason that he shouldn’t get the permanent manager's role in the summer. You’ll also hear why Rio would “one million percent” take Max Dowman to the World Cup after he became the Premier League’s youngest ...
After Paul Scholes’ comments went viral following a loss to 10-man Newcastle, Rio went to do some investigating to work out what his former team mate was really saying about the job Michael Carrick is doing. After revealing what Scholesy told him, what Iniesta said about Scholes in a chance meeting and why Patrice Evra came out in defence of Carrick - Rio and Ste look at why people are perhaps discrediting Arsenal for their potential title win this season. Rio is full of praise for Arteta’s abil...
This episode features Rio Ferdinand, Joel Bayer, and Steve Harson discussing Manchester United's recent performance, the untapped potential of Benjamin Sesko, and the crucial playmaking of Bruno Fernandes. They delve into Arsenal's controversial set-piece tactics and Tottenham's alarming slide towards relegation. The trio also engages in a lively debate comparing Harry Kane's evolving career to Wayne Rooney's legendary status, before a final wrap-up on the respect among peers.
Rio is joined by Joel Beya and Ste Howson to look at the weekend’s action both on and off the pitch whilst also looking at Michael Carrick’s selection dilemmas ahead of Manchester United v Everton on Monday Night Football. After Declan Rice’s comments about how the dressing room has evolved so that players are more responsible for upholding standards and discipline - Rio looks at how Mikel Arteta’s side responded to being pegged back by Tottenham and why Rice’s on-pitch apology is a good sign. 4...
In this episode of Rio Meets, Rio sits down with one of Manchester United’s most resilient figures - Diogo Dalot. From being questioned, scapegoated and loaned out… to wearing the captain’s armband at Old Trafford - Dalot opens up like never before. Enjoy this episode where Manchester United’s second longest serving player takes you behind the scenes of some of the most tumultuous times at the club. He offers a surprising review of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club and reveals why he thinks it’s...
Rio is joined by Ste and Joel to look back at a weekend which saw Trent Alexander-Arnold be compared to David Beckham, Harry Kane beat Cristiano Ronaldo to a momentus milestone and the dust settled on Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension as England manager. With the title race taking a break for the FA Cup, Ste doesn’t take a break in analysing Arsena’s title credentials catching up with Joel for the first time since Arteta’s side dropped points at Brentford. Rio points out the key role of players...
With Joel taking in the Super Bowl, Ashley Williams joins Ste Howson and Rio to provide an outsider’s view of the improvement under Michael Carrick. With 745 Premier League appearances as ball-playing defenders between them, Ash and Rio analyse why Lisandro Martinez is becoming one of the most important players in possession in the way Michael Carrick wants his team to play. Rio addresses Kobbie Mainoo directly after questioning the reasons behind the lack of appearances under previous manager R...
Following the third positive weekend in a row for Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to analyse what’s different about the players and the performance. There’s discussion about the difference between Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton following another impressive performance by the United academy graduate along with the reasons behind the improvement shown by Sesko and why there’s so much love from all his team mates. Bruno Fernandes has been one ...
Rio comes in HOT after another statement victory for Manchester United, following up a win over Manchester City with victory at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. With a huge improvement in form and positivity around the club since sacking Ruben Amorim, the conversation quickly turns to why Michael Carrick should not be judged through the same lens as Ole Gunnar Solskjær. From Arsenal supporters' growing tension to Arteta’s obsession with control, the lack of freedom for Bukayo Saka and wheth...
After Michael Carrick brought the “feel-good” factor back to Old Trafford with a victory over rivals Manchester City - Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to analyse what made such a positive difference. There’s a discussion about whether the comments made by Paul Scholes about Lisandro Martinez were “too personal” and why Roy Keane was so negative about Jonny Evans appointment. Tactically - Ste and Rio analyse why the players were so successful at preventing Pep Guardiola’s side from crea...
Asamoah Gyan sits down for a special episode of Rio Presents exploring how he became one of the highest paid players in the world and the pitfalls that come with money and fame in such quantities. Both Gyan and Rio are strident in their belief that AFCON should be treated in the same way as other major continental tournaments (Euros and Copa America) rather than being played during the European domestic football season. Gyan reveals how confidence helped build him into the most recognised face i...
