Rio Ferdinand Presents

Marking the 40th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson’s historic appointment at Manchester United, Ryan Giggs sits down for a special edition of The Debrief to pull back the curtain on the greatest manager in football history. Having played nearly 1,000 games under Fergie, Giggsy shares raw, untold dressing room stories: from Sir Alex throwing out a doping control tester after an Arsenal loss, to squaring up to Paul Ince and Peter Schmeichel, dropping David Beckham, and backing an 18-year-old David De Gea when the rest of the squad doubted him. Plus, Giggs breaks down Ferguson’s tactical mind, adapting from a flying winger to central midfield, pre-match motivational talks about shipyards and miners, and his crucial advice for United wonderkid JJ Gabriel. Meeting Sir Alex at 13 and struggling with his Scottish accent The art of the hairdryer treatment & standing up to the boss The De Gea meeting: Why Fergie ignored the senior players Iconic team talks: Shipyards, miners & mind games Surviving clashes with Keane,…

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially retired from international football, and Rio Ferdinand reacts to the end of an incredible era. Rio looks back at Cristiano's early days at Manchester United, his transformation from a skilful young winger into one of the greatest goalscorers of all time, and the relentless work ethic that made him different. From Portugal's historic Euro 2016 triumph to his record-breaking international career, Rio reflects on Ronaldo's achievements, his impact on Portuguese football and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Rio also shares personal memories of playing alongside Cristiano, the commercial impact of his retirement and a heartfelt message to his former teammate. Where does Cristiano Ronaldo rank among the greatest players of all time? Let us know your favourite Ronaldo moment in the comments! Subscribe to Rio Ferdinand Presents for more exclusive football reactions, interviews and analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heart. Hard work. Determination. That’s what Rio wants to see from Manchester United! Rio Ferdinand reacts to United’s dramatic comeback against Roma at Old Trafford and asks whether this can be the turning point for Michael Carrick’s side. From Bruno Fernandes’ response to being benched to Matheus Cunha’s winning goal, Rio breaks down the comeback, the fans’ role in driving the team on and why Carrick won’t give up without a fight. Plus, why Kobbie Mainoo is so important to this team, Leny Yoro’s progress and the fearless impact of Shea Lacey. The second-half effort has to become the standard. Can United carry it into the Aston Villa game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to Rio Ferdinand Presents for more reaction, analysis and interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United created plenty of chances at Chelsea - so why did another promising spell end in collapse? Joel Beya and Ste Howson join Rio Ferdinand to break down United’s performance, the missed opportunities and the defensive decisions that allowed Morgan Rogers to dribble for 40 yards unchallenged and score. Rio explains what encouraged him about the first half before identifying a deeper problem: United’s forwards thrive when games open up, but their defenders need protection from exactly the same thing. The trio question recruitment, physicality and why familiar defensive mistakes keep returning. Drawing on his own United career, Rio recalls the meeting where Sir Alex Ferguson reined in the team’s “kamikaze” football. Ste asks how it got fixed on the training ground and what today’s players and coaches can learn from it. There’s also a frank discussion about Carrick’s position, Martínez’s performances after speaking out and whether United could spend the season fighting near the bottom. At Anfield,…

Why did Carlos Tevez REALLY leave Manchester United for Manchester City? Rio Ferdinand reunites with his former teammate to hear his side of the story, from his conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson to the Real Madrid move that could have happened. Carlos explains why he felt let down by the club, calls out old team mates and how his decision to leave was made long before he signed for City. Tevez and Rio revisit playing alongside Rooney and Ronaldo, the understanding that made their front three so dangerous, and why that United team could have won more Champions Leagues. They also discuss Rio’s failed attempt, alongside David Gill, to help keep Carlos at Old Trafford and how it felt to become rivals in Manchester. Carlos gives his account of the Roberto Mancini fallout, reflects on what he would handle differently and relives City’s dramatic title win against QPR - a day that broke Rio’s heart. Plus, Tevez makes his Messi vs Ronaldo choice, explains his love for Paul Scholes and shares memories of Diego…

Who deserves the Ballon d’Or - the most consistent goalscorer or the player who gets you out of your seat? Ahead of the winner being announced on 26th October, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs assess the contenders and reveal their personal top threes on ‘The Debrief’. Rio makes the case for Harry Kane, while Giggs explains why Lamine Yamal’s movement, intelligence and ability to beat defenders make him so special. Drawing on their own experiences as a defender and a winger, the pair break down what makes these players so difficult to stop and why they both should be celebrated. They also discuss Michael Olise’s creativity and composure, why Kylian Mbappé’s teammates have to accept doing extra work for him, and whether Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Rodri belong in the conversation. How much should World Cup performances influence the vote? Do goals and assists tell the whole story? And can your favourite player to watch be different from the player you think deserves to win? Plus, Giggs recalls a Michael…

Can Michael Carrick turn Manchester United around - or did the summer’s recruitment leave him with a squad that was never ready?Rio Ferdinand, Joel Beya and Ste Howson debate United’s 1–1 draw at Leeds, Lisandro Martínez’s public comments and who should ultimately take responsibility for the club’s difficult start.Rio argues that hindsight is making people look back on the summer with a different stance and questions what should have been done differently within the club’s financial constraints.Ste backs Martínez’s concerns about the lack of squad depth, while Joel challenges whether United got their transfer priorities right.The debate heats up over Carrick’s future. Rio and Ste explain what encouraged them about his tactical changes at Elland Road, while Joel questions the squad’s quality and puts forward Antonio Conte as an alternative.There’s also a frank discussion about the Glazers’ debt, why spending more alone won’t fix United and the personalities needed to rebuild standards inside the dressing…

Rio Ferdinand gives his immediate reaction to Manchester United's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road! Rio breaks down United's performance in one of English football's fiercest rivalries, looking at Michael Carrick's tactical decisions, Bryan Mbeumo's attacking threat and the defensive resilience shown under pressure. Rio also discusses Leny Yoro's growing confidence, Harry Maguire's defensive performance, Bruno Fernandes, Amad and the importance of becoming more clinical in front of goal. After a difficult start to the Premier League season, have Manchester United finally shown signs of turning things around? 💬 What did you make of United's performance? Is Michael Carrick the right man to turn things around? Let us know in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ander Herrera joins Rio Ferdinand to look back on his remarkable career across Manchester United, PSG, and Athletic Bilbao, right through to his emotional return to boyhood club Real Zaragoza. Ander opens up about the painful truth behind his departure from Old Trafford and how a contract letter from Ed Woodward left him heartbroken. He reflects on the dressing room tension between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba, the difference between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, and what Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær brought to the squad. Plus, Ander gives an inside look into sharing a pitch with modern football icons: the unbelievable standard of Lionel Messi in training, Neymar's magic, Kylian Mbappé's freakish athleticism, and a hilarious training ground clash with Zlatan Ibrahimović. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martínez’s raw post-match comments have sparked intense debate across Manchester United. From the dressing room reaction to the boardroom reality under Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, Rio breaks down the consequences of taking internal frustrations public. Looking back at past exits like Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, Ralf Rangnick, and Cristiano Ronaldo, history shows that public outbursts against club hierarchy rarely end well. Rio also reflects on his own experience under Sir Alex Ferguson after a substitution clash against Bayern Munich, how squad morale is impacted, and why Michael Carrick deserves time to turn the form around ahead of a massive clash against Leeds. In this episode:The Dressing Room Fallout: What new signings and teammates think when standards are questioned publicly. Did he knock on the door first? Why speaking to Wilcox and Berrada in private changes everything. The Ferguson Standard: How Sir Alex handled players who called out the club or teammates. Backing Michael Carrick: Creating chances,…

Rio Ferdinand joins Joel Beya and Ste Howson to break down Manchester United’s draw with Tottenham, question what’s changed under Michael Carrick and respond to Jamie Carragher’s comments on social media about Rio and Cristiano Ronaldo. After watching United alongside his former teammates, Rio explains why the performance left them downbeat. He examines the support Mainoo and Tielemans need, questions whether United’s approach suits their players and recalls the standards he demanded when defending crosses. Ste challenges the substitutions against Spurs, asks why Bruno Fernandes keeps playing 90 minutes and questions the squad’s balance with limited options up front. Could Carlos Baleba help change the midfield dynamic? Rio also addresses Carragher’s online tone and debates Cristiano Ronaldo’s response to the Portugal situation with Joel, drawing on his own experience of staying silent when he wishes he had spoken out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has taken another dramatic turn. Rio Ferdinand reacts to Ronaldo’s statement, revealing why the Portugal captain felt disrespected, the breakdown in communication with the manager, and why this situation may not be the end of Ronaldo’s international career. From Ronaldo reportedly considering retirement to his decision to remain with Portugal, rejecting special treatment, accepting responsibility for his own mistakes and demanding honesty and respect — this is a fascinating insight into one of football’s biggest personalities. Could Ronaldo return for one final farewell? Or could we see him continue to play for Portugal? Watch the full reaction and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to debate Jude Bellingham’s place among the greats, Cristiano Ronaldo’s treatment by Portugal and the technical players that England should be building around. Could Bellingham surpass Zidane, Gerrard and Lampard? Was Rooney better at the same age? And who makes way if Jude gets into Rio’s best Manchester United team? Joel sparks a serious debate about Roy Keane’s ability in his favoured central midfield role. Rio also explains why he would pick Kobbie Mainoo for England, questions whether England get enough from their most creative players (think Foden, Palmer, Scholes, Le Tissier) and considers whether a high-intensity Premier League approach can deliver success in tournament football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost £678 million in revenue, yet Manchester United are still reporting a £40 million loss. Where is the money going and what does it mean for the club’s future? The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell joins Rio Ferdinand and Ste on The Debrief to unpack United’s finances, from the lasting cost of the Glazers’ takeover to the decisions behind this summer’s transfer budget. Could United have spent more? Why were key positions left unfilled? And how do plans for a new stadium and a 2028 title challenge fit with the financial picture? There’s specific analysis on how the financial capability of the club is affected by the ongoing cost of servicing the debt from the Glazers to purchase Manchester United in 2003 - and how that affects the club in the next few transfer windows. Rio also reflects on how the players understood the takeover at the time and the only transfer window that made him question the club’s direction. An in-depth discussion about ownership, ambition and what it will take to build a Manchester United…

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to discuss Manchester City’s potential punishment, England’s defeat to Spain and the biggest talking points at Manchester United.Rio explains why he believes City should surrender their medals if the findings stand, sends a message to Joleon Lescott and considers how the players’ achievements should be remembered. Ste delivers his own punishment plan - including relegation and an unusual proposal to benefit grassroots football.The trio also debate Anthony Gordon’s comments about England’s identity. Rio explains why England should play to their strengths, revisits how Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were used internationally and makes the distinction between controlling matches and deciding them.Plus, Rio responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Cole Palmer, explaining what the Chelsea forward offers that all of England’s other attacking players don’t.On United, Rio shares his experience of chatting with JJ Gabriel in the summer and explains why the club…

Two-time Premier League winner Joleon Lescott joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for another episode of Rio Presents, bringing his experience as a defender and England coach to Manchester United’s frustrating draw at Fulham. Lescott challenges the criticism of United’s work rate, explaining why their static mid-block may have been part of Michael Carrick’s plan and why distance covered does not tell the whole story. He also identifies a bigger concern in the fact that United are capable in several areas, but lack one ‘super strength' Ste defends Marcus Rashford against the growing criticism, questions why United keep repeating the same attacking patterns and calls for a different approach while Benjamin Šeško is out of the starting XI. The trio also examine United’s defensive errors and analyse what’s behind their high shot count not translating into enough goals. Away from the Fulham reaction, Lescott offers a development coach’s perspective on JJ Gabriel’s situation and the challenges of bringing a…

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for a special episode of Rio Presents, bringing the perspective of a player who won 13 Premier League titles and has made more appearances in the Manchester derby than anyone else. Giggs delivers a detailed breakdown of United’s frustrating home defeat to ten-man Manchester City. He explains why they failed to stretch the pitch, move the ball quickly enough or create the “wave after wave” of pressure that Old Trafford expected. The trio examine United’s poor delivery, the lack of movement in attack and why playing without a recognised centre-forward left the “wrong players” searching for the perfect cross. Ryan also offers a tactical lesson on wide play, overlapping runs and the relationships that successful teams build on the pitch. He assesses the importance of Benjamin Šeško, discusses the development of Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson, and considers whether United’s recent recruitment provides genuine cause for optimism. Away from…

In another episode of The Debrief with Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, the two catch up after a busy summer which included Ryan bumping into Elliot Anderson before he signed for rivals Manchester City! There’s plenty to discuss for the pair including how the club should manage a “generational talent” like JJ Gabriel and what he needs to focus on in order to get more first team minutes. And after discussing his own tough period at the club where he was booed by supports, Giggs discusses how Marcus Rashford should look to rebuild his relationship with the fans at Old Trafford. You’ll also hear an unbelievable tale of how a Manchester United fan on holiday told Giggs he should sign Kylian Mbappe when he was a coach at the club before he reveals why it never happened. Plus there’s an incredible story from Ryan’s dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola before he lists the reasons why Phil Foden will bounce back after being left out of the England squad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

Rio Ferdinand, Joel Beya and Stephen Howson react to Manchester United’s dramatic 2–2 draw at Everton and assess the defensive problems threatening Michael Carrick’s promising rebuild. Rio explains what he likes about the developing partnership between Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans - from their one-touch football, movement and control in possession to Mainoo’s growing defensive intensity. He also reveals what he would demand from the pair as a centre-back, particularly when United are under pressure and need greater protection around the edge of the box. The team debates when United should put their faith in young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, what Marcus Rashford’s potential injury could mean ahead of the Manchester derby, and how Carrick can stop his side conceding two goals every game. They also break down Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea and Rio reveals one specific quality that separates Arteta’s side from all others in the Premier League. Rio shares his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s…

Arsenal: Bruno Guimarães (£75m), Ezri Konsa (£55m), and Christos Tzolis (£34m) bring elite spine depth, but without a marquee killer up front, can Arteta turn narrow draws into title-winning victories? Chelsea: Biggest gross spenders in Europe (~£350m) landing Morgan Rogers (£117m), Maxence Lacroix, and Jordan Henderson, yet balancing the books with huge departures like Enzo Fernández (£125m) and Nicolas Jackson (£47m). Liverpool: Bradley Barcola arrives as the marquee £106m winger alongside Ronald Araújo on loan. Manchester City: Complete midfield transformation with Enzo Fernández (£125m), Elliot Anderson (£116m), and Ayyoub Bouaddi (£81.4m). Manchester United: Over £150m spent on Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans. Did Carrick fix the engine room while taking a massive gamble at left-back? What grade are you giving your club's transfer window? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, hit like, and subscribe for more deep dives! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was it really like trying to stop Lionel Messi at his peak? After Messi announced his retirement from International football, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs revisit their battles with the Argentine icon, including Manchester United’s painful Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Wembley. Giggs reveals what happened when he tried to leave an early mark on Messi, while Rio explains how Messi’s movement, intelligence and explosive acceleration made him almost impossible to contain. They also discuss the genius of Messi walking into spaces, the strength people underestimated and why that legendary Barcelona side reached another level whenever he had the ball. Rio reveals what he said in a conversation about Messi on the Wembley pitch with Giggs and teammate Paul Scholes and asks if there’s anything that could have been done differently to curtail Messi’s influence on the “best” team either of them had faced in their career. This is The Debrief: honest insight into the game from two players who…

Manchester United are back among the goals after firing 33 shots in a 5-2 win over Ipswich - but is Michael Carrick rebuilding the fearless, attacking mentality Rio Ferdinand remembers from the Sir Alex Ferguson era? Rio is joined by Joel Beya and Ste Howson to examine Carrick’s demand for genuine end product, Bruno Fernandes’ ability to change how opponents defend simply through his presence, and whether criticism of the United captain has become disrespectful. Where does Bruno rank alongside Eric Cantona, Michael Carrick and Juan Sebastián Verón - and how would Sir Alex have managed him? The panel also discuss Edwin van der Sar’s assessment of Lisandro Martínez, why Rio considers him one of football’s best ball-playing centre-backs, and Kobbie Mainoo’s composed response after returning with something to prove. Ste revisits his stance on selling Marcus Rashford following the forward’s improved performance and work rate, while Rio offers advice on how Rashford could approach the negotiations around a…

Manchester United bounce back with a huge 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford! Rio Reacts breaks down the game, from a nervy first half to a much stronger second-half performance. The big talking points include Bruno Fernandes' hat-trick, Marcus Rashford's work rate and response to the fans, Kobbie Mainoo's performance in midfield, Lisandro Martinez's quality on the ball, and Harry Maguire stepping up defensively. Rio also discusses the need for realism around Manchester United's season, why fans shouldn't panic after just two games, and what United need to improve against the teams they're expected to control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Presents is back for a brand-new season, with Rio Ferdinand joined by Joel Beya and Stephen Howson to analyse the opening weekend of Premier League action. Rio gives his honest assessment of Manchester United’s performance, explains why the midfield wasn’t the decisive issue in their opening-day defeat to Hull and identifies the fundamentals Michael Carrick’s side must fix. Having shared a dressing room with Carrick for several years, Rio offers a unique perspective on the manager’s calm personality and explains why supporters shouldn’t mistake it for a lack of passion. The panel examines United’s new midfield options, the striker the squad may still need and why one result shouldn’t define an entire season. They also debate the changing standards at Old Trafford and whether clubs and players are held to different standards on loyalty, amid transfer uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa. Rio also assesses the pressure on Liverpool’s big-money signings…

The transfer market is officially on fire! 🔥 Rio Ferdinand is back on Rio Reacts breaking down massive deadline moves and breaking news across the Premier League. Manchester United are closing in on Brighton midfield powerhouse Carlos Baleba in a £60m + £5m add-on deal. Rio breaks down why United’s recruitment patience finally paid off after Brighton demanded £100m last summer, and how Baleba reuniting with former Lille teammate Leny Yoro and fellow Cameroon star Bryan Mbeumo creates instant chemistry alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Down in North London, Arsenal are in advanced talks to land Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. With William Saliba and Jurriën Timber carrying knocks, Mikel Arteta is bringing in the Premier League's top ground-duel winner to lock down his title defence. Meanwhile, Unai Emery's Aston Villa are under serious siege as Al-Hilal make an aggressive push to sign Ollie Watkins on massive wages. With Tielemans gone, Konsa linked away, and Watkins targeted by Saudi Arabia, is…

Rio Ferdinand sits down with new Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans to discuss his surprise move to Old Trafford, his first conversations with Michael Carrick and why joining United was an opportunity he couldn't turn down. Tielemans reveals what Carrick told him about his role, why the United boss sees similarities between them and how he wants Tielemans to control the tempo, take responsibility in possession and how he can help connect United's defence with their attacking players. The Belgium captain gives his early assessment of his new midfield partners, discussing what Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos can each bring to the team. He explains why Bruno is a "nightmare" to play against, where Mainoo can still improve and why Santos could give United's midfield the security to attack with more freedom. Tielemans also reveals some of the early details he's picked up inside the United squad - including which player was first to message him after his move, the funniest player on the…

Pitchside and live from Manchester United’s pre-season training camp! Rio Ferdinand reacts directly to the latest major headlines coming out of the Red Devils' tour. In this episode, Rio breaks down Marcus Rashford’s return to full fitness, what he’s seeing from him in training, and why a rejuvenated Rashford is crucial for United's upcoming Premier League campaign. Plus, Rio addresses the transfer reports linking Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly with a potential move to Old Trafford—evaluating whether the young versatile left-back/midfielder fits Manchester United’s recruitment plans. #MUFC #ManchesterUnited #MarcusRashford #MylesLewisSkelly #RioFerdinand #ManUtd #PremierLeague #TransferNews #Arsenal #PreSeason #RedDevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández joins Rio Ferdinand to relive one of football's most remarkable careers, opening up on the dressing rooms that shaped him and the biggest names he played alongside. You’ll see Chicharito like never before as he passionately explains why Cristiano Ronaldo was "never arrogant", revealing what the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was really like behind closed doors at Real Madrid and why the Portuguese icon's relentless mentality is so often misunderstood. The former United favourite also breaks down the movement that made him one of Europe's deadliest penalty-box strikers, analysing the famous Bolton goal that Rio still calls one of the greatest examples of striker movement he's ever seen. He explains why Erling Haaland can become an even more complete forward, compares Harry Kane to Karim Benzema and names the current striker he'd most like to play alongside. There's also a fascinating insight into Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester…

World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris joins Rio Ferdinand for an exclusive conversation that only a handful of people in football history could ever have. As one of the few men to captain his country to World Cup glory, Hugo takes Rio inside the pressure, leadership and emotion behind lifting the biggest trophy in football. Lloris explains why Kylian Mbappé looked different from his very first France training session, the work that transformed him into one of the world's deadliest forwards and why he believes greatness is still written in his destiny. He also relives the unforgettable 2022 World Cup Final, offering a unique perspective from inside one of the greatest matches ever played. Hugo reveals the specific instructions Didier Deschamps gave France to try and stop Lionel Messi, explains why even the best-laid plans weren't enough and reflects on watching Messi and Mbappé produce an all-time classic on football's biggest stage. The former Tottenham captain also opens up on Harry Kane's incredible…

It’s time for Joel and Ste to head back after a month in LA with Airbnb so the trio settle down in the outdoor pool to review the tournament so far including how resolute and impressive Thomas Tuchel has been considering the questions and doubts about his squad selection. Joel turns the tables on Rio and gets him to pick his tournament 5 a side team… wait for the caveats! Ste and Rio discuss the tactical trends that may make their way back to the Premier League after the World Cup and then pick three players to splurge £300m on as if they were in charge of their clubs. The trio also reminisce about the favourite moments of the trip away from the football including the ability of Ste and Rio to embrace the horse-riding experience in comparison to Joel. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing his trip around Los Angeles with Airbnb, Rio watches the England v Norway match on Venice Bach with Fox Sports commentator Darren Fletcher. After scoring another brace, Rio declares that Jude Bellingham is England’s finest tournament player since the Three Lions won the World Cup in 1966. There’s praise for Elliot Anderson - who Rio thought should have been awarded man of the match and serious love for the way Thomas Tuchel has approached this tournament. Rio reveals how much confidence the players will take from the ability of their manager to impact and change the course of a match with his substitutions and tactical changes. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio continues his trip round LA thanks to Airbnb and invites Fara Williams to join him, Ste Howson and Joel Beya to round up the latest transfer news from the Premier League and looks ahead to England’s World Cup quarter final with Norway. After Thomas Tuchel gave his players 36 hours off after a gruelling tie against Mexico, Rio and Fara discuss the trust the manager has in his players and how that becomes so important for those individuals who are at risk of being suspended if they pick up another booking. There’s a crazy stat about Erling Haaland’s goalscoring record against Jordan Pickford, Rio’s advice for defending against the Norwegian striker before the four look at the latest moves being discussed and confirmed by clubs in the Premier League. Rio and Ste debate the profile, price and optics of the £50m signing of Chelsea’s Andrey Santos before discussing potential moves to Arsenal for both Bruno Guimaraes and Marcus Rashford. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See…

Rio gathers everyone around the fire pit at his Airbnb after England were victorious in a World Cup Classic in Mexico City. Jude Bellingham was England’s talisman again and spoke about how his teammates are different to previous generations because they didn’t “crumble” when put under severe pressure by their hosts. There’s analysis of Bellingham’s maturity and how he has developed his attitude since his last major tournament with England. Joleon Lescott praises Thomas Tuchel’s “unique ability” to change the game from the bench and the gang discuss how effective the German is at utilising the hydration breaks to improve his team’s performance. There’s a warning about the way England have defended when they come up against Erling Haaland’s Norway side and analysis of whether Florian Balgoun’s rescinded suspension was “wrong” and how it compares to the treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo pre-tournament. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thiago Alcântara joins Rio Ferdinand at his Airbnb in Los Angeles for one of the most detailed football conversations you'll hear anywhere. From turning down Manchester United before eventually facing Rio in the Premier League, to playing under both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, Thiago explains how two of football's greatest managers see the game completely differently. He reveals the conversation with Pep that convinced him to leave Bayern Munich, why Klopp believed Liverpool were missing control in midfield and the tactical details that shaped one of the most successful teams of the modern era. The discussion is packed with extraordinary insight into some of the biggest names in world football. Thiago opens up on Mohamed Salah's personality behind the scenes, why Roberto Firmino was the perfect teammate, how Harry Kane adapted so quickly to German football and his incredible goalscoring record, Lionel Messi's unmatched aura, Paul Scholes' brilliance, and why he believes Pedri is currently the best…

Rio is joined at his Airbnb by Joleon Lescott, Joel Beya and Ste Howson to speak about Harry Kane’s exploits, the contenders for the Ballon d’Or and Joleon’s journey into coaching. Lescott hits out at John Terry’s “entitlement” after he suggested there was nobody better than himself to take on the interim role at Chelsea and revealed his frustrations at being overlooked for the job. After spending three international camps and six matches with the senior mens England squad alongside Lee Carsley, Joleon reveals what impresses him the most about captain Harry Kane before a debate about the player of the tournament so far. The importance of winning the World Cup in relation to the candidates for winning the Ballon d’Or is also discussed - could England win the tournament to ensure Harry Kane is lined up for football’s biggest individual prize? Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Thomas Tuchel’s passionate tactical intervention helped England turn the game round against DR Congo, Rio is adamant that England fans need to have faith in the manager’s plans. Oussi questions Rio on England’s poor first half performance before switching focus to the impact of England’s substitutes who changed the course of the game and there’s also praise for Anthony Gordon who silenced his critics with two assists. With Kane’s brace moving him into contention for the golden boot, Rio discusses the incredible list of names that are fighting it out to become the tournament’s top scorer. And Rio can’t wait to return to his Airbnb to catch up with Joel who was cheering for Congo whilst Rio was away working. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio is joined at his Airbnb by Joel Beya and Ste Howson after a hectic few days where the trio went on a horse riding experience, welcomed Spain, Barcelona, Liverpool an Bayern Munich legend Thiago to the villa and watched England set up a huge knockout tie with Congo. Rio does a deep dive on the way Thomas Tuchel is utilising the attributes of Marcus Rashford and compares his view on Rashford’s performance with those using statistics to criticise him. There’s been a lot of discussion about the selection of Jordan Henderson in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. After hosting Henderson’s former teammate Thiago at the villa, Rio reveals why his inclusion is so important for Tuchel and the other members of the team. As the tournament starts hotting up with the knockout rounds, Rio discusses why this current French side remind him of Brazil in 2002 and how the switch from group stage games to knockout matches affect players’ mentalities. The trio review their Airbnb experience of horse riding through the Malibu hills and…

England got the job done against Panama, but was it the convincing World Cup performance everyone expected? Rio Ferdinand is back at his Airbnb in Los Angeles with Joel Beya and Ste Howson to break down England’s latest win, the standout performers and the questions that still remain as the tournament starts to heat up. There’s huge praise for Jude Bellingham after yet another big-tournament display, with Rio revealing what his former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos told him about playing alongside Jude and the mentality he brought into the dressing room at the Bernabéu. The lads also discuss Kobbie Mainoo, who is still waiting for his first minutes of the tournament. How will the Manchester United midfielder be feeling, and does Thomas Tuchel have a bigger role planned for him later in the competition? There’s also a brilliant bit of football trivia from Ste after another active player joins the exclusive club of footballers with over 200 international appearances. Can you work out who the three players are…

As the group stage nears its conclusion, Rio looks at the players and teams that have impressed him the most whilst analysing England’s midfield and revealing who initiated the first contact between Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney following the famous “wink” incident and Rooney’s red card in the 2006 World Cup. Paul Scholes suggestion that Tuchel’s focus on overpowering opposition means the midfield “doesn’t look right” is discussed along with the improvements and changes Rio would make as the tournament progresses. Kobbie Mainoo is spoken about as the type of player that will help England dominate the ball, sustain more attacks and offer a different option for opening up defences. Following Jose Mourinho’s comments about the “privilege” of managing the egos in the Real Madrid dressing room and the need for harmony after the problems within the camp last season - Rio makes a plea for Aurélien Tchouaméni to join Manchester United if he’s in a position to leave Real Madrid. And when speaking about how…

This is Clarence Seedorf as you've rarely seen him before - thoughtful, uncompromising and still analysing the game with the same intensity that defined his playing career. Seedorf joins Rio at his Airbnb in Los Angeles and delivers a fascinating assessment of the current World Cup, explaining why England fans are often too tense watching their team, why Jude Bellingham reminds him of an old-school footballer, the one personality trait he'd love to see Declan Rice add to his game and why Elliot Anderson is worth £100m. He also discusses the Netherlands' chances of winning the tournament, whether Virgil van Dijk belongs amongst the greatest Dutch defenders ever and the reasons why the modern game is producing fewer creative players compared to previous generations. There's brilliant insight into some of the biggest stars in football too, with Seedorf defending Cristiano Ronaldo's place in Portugal's team, explaining why Kylian Mbappé hasn't yet reached his ceiling and sharing stories about the extraordinary…

After watching England’s draw with Ghana at a local bar in West Hollywood, Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to look at what England needed to break down an organised defence. There’s praise for Rio’s former assistant manager at Manchester United, Carlos Queiroz, who led the Ghanaian side and Rio reveals his former team mates were reminded of Queiroz’s coaching sessions during his time at Old Trafford. And after Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2 goals - Rio also has a bone to pick with both of his co-hosts who seemingly wrote off the prospect of Ronaldo performing and leading Portugal to the latter stages of the tournament. The trio debate whether it’s time for Thomas Tuchel to start Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford who both made positive impacts off the bench for the second match in a row and Ste details why England’s tactics were frustating to watch. Brought to you in partnership with Airbnb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio is poolside at his Beverly Hills Airbnb with Ste Howson and Joel Beya to discuss a pair of players who have been criticised heavily at the World Cup. Jeremy Doku has faced huge media pressure after he announced his intention to travel home from the tournament to be with his wife for the birth of his first child - Rio backs his decision and recounts his own experience at the births of his own children as moments where family puts football into perspective. After failing to score in his opening game - Rio’s former team mate Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticised and compared to other forwards who started the tournament in impressive fashion. Following Joao Neves’ comments on his captain’s role within the team - Rio details how Ronaldo bought into the team mentality in the Manchester United dressing room and shuts down any criticism of Ronaldo’s willingness to work as part of a collective. Rio also picks his front three of the tournament so far which will surprise some people and Ste asks you to get in touch…

This is Thierry Henry as you rarely hear him - brutally honest, analytical and still completely obsessed with competition, winning and perfection at the highest level of football. Henry visits Rio at his Airbnb in LA and opens up on the mentality behind his legendary career, including the coach at Clairefontaine who completely changed his understanding of how he moved on the pitch and why he genuinely preferred creating goals over scoring them himself - even if people never believe him. There’s some extraordinary insight into Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Henry explaining why Messi’s work ethic is hugely underrated, how quickly he justified the total freedom given to him by manager Pep Guardiola and why football should stop trying to compare the two greatest players of their generation. He also shares brilliant stories around Messi’s mentality, aura inside the dressing room and how he developed into a killer from set-pieces. The conversation dives into the modern game too, with Henry arguing…

Following England’s opening victory over Croatia, Rio is full of praise for the way Thomas Tuchel set up and managed the team after they scored 4 goals and created many more opportunities. After watching the match in his Airbnb with Joel Beya and Ste Howson - Rio praises the performances of Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Elliot Anderson. There were some concerns about the defence who were put under pressure numerous times but Rio explains why John Stones challenge of switching sides as a centre-back is such a difficult one to overcome. Harry Kane joins the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi who all scored at least two goals in their opening fixture which prompts a debate around the effectiveness of Cristiano Ronaldo after he drew a blank for Portugal against DR Congo. According to Rio - England’s squad depth could be a hugely decisive factor in their journey through the tournament and suggests only France can compete with the attacking prowess on the bench that Tuchel has at his…

Rio invites his old team mate Robbie Keane to his Airbnb to discuss the big-name strikers who have started so impressively at the World Cup. With Mbappe and Haaland scoring braces and Messi going one better with a hat-trick - Keane declares this as a tournament that Kylian Mbappe can “take hold” of before debating whether Haaland or Zlatan is the better player. Keane praises former team-mate Luka Modric and warns England about his playmaking abilities coming to the fore in the heat of the United States and also gives some brilliant insight into the mentality of Tuchel’s captain Harry Kane after he worked with Kane as a youngster at Tottenham. Rio gives his advice to the players who are in line to make their tournament debut for the Three Lions and discusses the BBQ he threw for the famous names of Beverly Hills who pitched up to the Airbnb to enjoy their evening overlooking the Los Angeles sunset.#worldcup2026 #WorldCup #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCupLA #LionelMessi #CristianoRonaldo #Messi #Ronaldo #BeverlyHills…

This is Kaká as you rarely see or hear him - one of football’s most private superstars sitting down in Rio's Airbnb for a remarkably open reflection on a career that made him a global icon and one of the last true Ballon d’Or winning number 10s. The Brazilian legend opens up about the swimming pool accident that nearly ended his journey before it had even begun and why his faith became even stronger after what doctors described as a “miracle” recovery. Despite becoming one of the biggest stars in world football, Kaká remains remarkably humble throughout this conversation - discussing how his family kept him grounded and why his mentality was completely different to Cristiano Ronaldo’s obsession with becoming “the best”. He also gives rare insight into the legendary AC Milan dressing room under Carlo Ancelotti, including how Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf helped shape him into a Ballon d’Or winner and why Pirlo could “find him anywhere” on the pitch. The conversation leads into a fascinating discussion around the…

Rio has landed in Los Angeles and invites Joel and Ste over to his Beverly Hills Airbnb for the first pod in the US where they look ahead to the tournament, analyse the dilemmas facing Thomas Tuchel and pick their favourites to win the World Cup. Rio discusses why he believes Harry Kane is the best striker in the world based on current form, what Bukayo Saka needs to add to his game to be considered on the same level as Vinicius Jr. After spending time with Tuchel, Rio outlines why he “loves” the German and picks out one player left at home that he disagrees with. There’s a big debate around how Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez should utilise the presence and ability of Cristiano Ronaldo throughout the tournament and Rio picks his “unbeatable” front 4 that he wishes Didier Deschamps would select for France. #WorldCup2026 #WorldCup #Beverly Hills #LA #LosAngeles #RioFerdinand #JoelBeya #SteHowson #Five #FootballPodcast #BehindTheScenes #ThomasTuchel #ThreeLions #England #HarryKane #BukayoSaka #ViniciusJr…

This is Gary Neville as you’ve never seen him before - sitting with Rio in his Airbnb and opening up about some hugely personal topics including the loss of his father, the abuse he suffered when out on the street with his family and why he should never have pursued a coaching or managerial career. Despite Rio’s best efforts, Neville is typically self-deprecating about his own playing ability and instead focuses on the greatness around him - both in terms of mentality as well as the players who were technically brilliant. He gives insight into how the England setup changed from his time as a player to when he coached the national team under Roy Hodgson - and there’s huge praise for Harry Kane’s attitude and “seriousness” about the way he approaches football at the highest level. This episode is the very first time that Rio and Neville have discussed the time that Gary brought the England players together and threatened to strike because of the way Rio was treated by the FA which leads to a brutal and honest…

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 - discussing the impatience that drove him early in his career, the responsibility he felt during Steven Gerrard’s time at Aston Villa and why Unai Emery completely changed the standards and mentality within the squad. There’s fascinating insight into the mentality of elite strikers too, including why Erling Haaland’s role is “so difficult”, how studying Ruud van Nistelrooy helped develop his instincts inside the box and why Harry Kane’s leadership is more about standards than shouting. Watkins also explains the…

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 his career - despite initially hating the move. He also tells Rio how Watford convinced him to move ahead of waiting for clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City and how Richarlison showed him that Premier League success was possible. João gives hilarious insight into training ground battles with Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo and Reece James - while also backing James to become the best right-back in world football because of his mentality and leadership. There’s fascinating tactical discussion too as João…