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 between Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice along with the two young players who are “killers” in training who expects big things from. He lifts the lid on working under Pep Guardiola - including the tactical demands, the intensity in training, and the one thing Pep tries to coach out of all the Brazilian players. Jesus also reveals how he developed his bond with Neymar and why he thinks he’s the greatest player of his generation. There are also incredible insights into elite dressing rooms, from Vincent Kompany’s leadership to Sergio Agüero’s mentality, plus Jesus’ ultimate 5-a-side team. This is a conversation about football at the highest level — but more importantly, about mindset, identity and what it really takes to win. 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments and who you want Rio to sit down with next! 00:00 Intro: The boy from Brazil 01:14 Meeting Gabriel Jesus 01:29 Growing up in the Favelas: My first football 02:31 Playing at the Police Complex: More than just a game 03:56 The loss of passion in modern Brazilian football 05:16 The greatness of Neymar Jr. 07:27 Dealing with pressure in Brazil vs. England 09:02 When ex-players talk: Impact on the dressing room 11:35 Arriving at Man City: Meeting Pep & legends 13:16 Pep’s "Best Striker-Defender": Sacrificing for the team 14:31 Creating chaos: The role of the modern No. 9 16:42 How the game has changed in 10 years 18:55 Does Pep Guardiola allow freedom? 21:16 Coaching specifics: "Don't use your studs!" 23:10 The unpredictability of playing for Pep 25:16 Vincent Kompany: A manager in the making 27:11 Rio’s most under-appreciated teammates 29:22 The Mikel Arteta effect at Arsenal 31:01 The mental shift: From 2nd place to Champions 33:54 Dressing room leaders: Declan Rice & Martin Ødegaard 36:05 Why modern squads need 22 captains 37:07 Training with Declan Rice: "The Horse" 40:23 Bukayo Saka: Humble, strong, and elite 42:38 Comparison: Saka vs. Vinícius & Rodrygo 44:21 The next generation: Max Dowman & Ethan Nwaneri 47:51 Dark moments: Dealing with long-term injury 50:28 Nutrition and lifestyle changes 51:41 Finding faith: Baptism and perspective 54:00 The life of a footballer: Missing major family moments 55:46 Gabby Heinze: The "crazy" coach at Arsenal 57:12 Defending Arsenal’s set-piece "dark arts" 01:01:44 Final prediction: Will Arsenal win the league? 01:02:45 Picking the Ultimate 5-A-Side Team (No Keepers) #RioFerdinand #GabrielJesus #Arsenal #ManchesterCity #PremierLeague Subscribe: http://bit.ly/15QO9WE Rio Ferdinand Presents: rioferdinandpresents.com Rio Ferdinand Presents Instagram: https://instagram.com/rioferdinandpresents Rio Ferdinand Presents Twitter/X: https://x.com/RioMeets Rio Ferdinand Presents Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rioferdinandpresents Rio Ferdinand Presents TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rioferdinandpresents Rio Ferdinand Presents Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rioferdinandpresents Rio Ferdinand Instagram: https://instagram.com/rioferdy5 Rio Ferdinand Twitter/X: https://x.com/rioferdy5 Rio Ferdinand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RioFerdinandOfficial Rio Ferdinand TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rioferdy5 Rio Ferdinand Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rioferdy5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 on whether Harry Maguire really is England’s 5th choice central defender (behind Trevor Chalobah) and why Luis Enrique’s impact on Ousmane Dembele will help France in the summer. Rio also reveals why he would not go to Tottenham if he was Roberto De Zerbi and which African sides could cause surprises at the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. After comparing Maradona to Lionel Messi, Batistuta names the three world strikers that impress him the most in today’s game and also reveals how and injury and resulting pain in his ankle made him ask a surgeon to amputate it. Thankfully, he was able to overcome that pain and now sits down with Rio to show a side of his character that few have ever seen - including a discussion where they both dissect each other’s games after Rio admitted ‘Batigol’ was the first “iconic” striker he faced - in the 2002 World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 this shocking decision 🔄 What’s next for the club This isn’t just a transfer… it’s the end of the Mohamed Salah era at Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 League opponents how to overcome Arteta’s Arsenal. The trio all believe that Tottenham might be playing their football in the Championship next season and after a frustrating draw with Bournemouth - Ste and Rio lay out what the priorities should be for Manchester United to address in the summer if they are to compete in the Champions League. Rio makes another plea for Danny Welbeck to be picked in the World Cup squad for England and he also reveals the release of an extra special Gabriel Batistuta interview where the Argentinian legend divulges some incredible detail about Rio’s idol - Diego Maradona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 goalscorer and why he is already surpassing the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen who gained huge reputations at a similar age. The trio also look at the potential impact of Dowman’s rising star on club captain Martin Odegaard. There’s analysis of Liam Rosenior’s time in charge of Chelsea after it was revealed only 3 managers have a better points tally since he took over and Rio reveals why he “HATES” team huddles. And Ste gave a Stretford Paddock debut to a Premier League winner and reveals what it’s like for the other players in non-league to share a pitch with someone of that quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ability to re-invent his team and make them stronger and suggests there is much more respect for Arsenal in Europe compared to their perception in England. There were also two starts over the weekend for the players that Rio identified as England’s next stars as Rio Ngumoah and Max Dowman both played key roles in their club's FA Cup victories - you’ll hear what separates the top players from the rest when they break into the first team and also why academies aren’t preparing young central defenders properly for the rigours of the modern game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Premier League players were racially abused over the weekend and following Vinicius Jr’s allegation of racism in the game against Benfica, Rio praises Vincent Kompany for the way he responded to a question about how football deals with incidents of discrimination. There’s a debate about whether Bernardo Silva is world class, why Salah might be “embarrassed” about recent performances as the Egyptian endures his longest Premier League goal drought and why Rio’s namesake at Liverpool is “electrifying” Rio Presents Brought To You By CRAFTD https://uk.craftdlondon.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 one of “the most important periods” at Manchester United after detailing why all of Michael Carrick’s coaching staff are having such a positive impact. When Rio asks him about the impact of negative comments and reaction, Dalot discusses how his toughest season turned out to be one of the favourite moments of his career and why Kobbie Mainoo’s experience out of the side will hugely benefit the young midfielder. As a team mate of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and formerly of Manchester United, Dalot reveals how a 5 minute conversation with the United legend persuaded him to stay at the club and why Bruno Fernandes is “factually” one of the best players in the Premier League. He also reveals what leadership looks like amongst the dressing room after the demands of Ruben Amorim changed the dynamic and discipline within the squad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 within the dressing room who maintain perspective and are able to remain calm in this type of high-pressure situation. Joel poses the question about whether German football fans are more appreciative of England striker Harry Kane than supporters of the national team and Rio heaps praise on the forward who beat Ronaldo by ten matches to score 500 career goals. Ste and Joel produce various different stats when analysing the performance of Trent while Rio details why his passing ability is a skill that can often be under rated and appreciated considering all of the factors that are required to excel at that part of the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ruben Amorim and points to team mates Matheus Cunha and Diogo Dalot as other examples of players who are thriving under new management. Rio admits he is struggling to understand why Roy Keane still has such a downer on Michael Carrick as manager of the club and details the importance of Manchester City’s late, dramatic win over Liverpool at Anfield for both Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s side when it comes to the title race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of the most consistent players in the Premier League over the last 6 seasons so Ste compares the level of credit the Portuguese midfielder gets compared to another player who performed well individually in a poorer team - Steven Gerrard. Rio also reveals why he feels Liam Rosenior is getting unfairly treated for the things he says to the media and why Arteta doesn’t really mean that he wants his players to play with more freedom and why Kai Havertz’s return from injury is a huge positive for Viktor Gyokeres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 whether this really is a “now or never” moment — this episode pulls no punches on the Gunner's race for the title. Rio compares Arteta’s Arsenal to Klopp’s Liverpool and Mourinho’s Chelsea, arguing this isn’t about tactics — it’s about personality, leadership, and dressing-room energy. He then focuses on why Saka, in particular, needs reminding of the basics — discussing the need for freedom over fear. There’s also a comparison to what Ruben Amorim did with the same players which contrasts with how Michael Carrick is getting them to perform - Ste and Rio come up with and investigate those differences - paying particular attention to Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 creating many chances and how Carrick was able to extract the best of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. After many fans online started comparing the stats of Matheus Cunha and Bukayo Saka - the trio debate whether Saka needs to improve his output this season, why Oliver Glasner has fallen out with the Crystal Palace board and why Sadio Mane saved African football following the unprecedented scenes at the end of the AFCON final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 in Ghana along with the struggles he faces when dealing with that level of fame. He also reveals the pressure a letter from Nelson Mandela added to his Ghanaian team during the first World Cup to be held in Africa and discusses why players from the continent aren’t respected in the same way as their European or South American counterparts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.