Rio Ferdinand Presents

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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