Founded in 1939, they play their home matches atEstádio do Rio Ave FC, also known as the Estádio dos Arcos. Built in 1985, the current stadium seats approximately 5,300 people.
Rio Ave was founded in 1939, soon being nicknamedRio Grande (Big River). The side had two of its best moments in the 1980s, under the management ofFélix Mourinho, father ofJosé Mourinho: in1981–82, the club finished in a joint-best fifth place, and two years later it reached theTaça de Portugalfinal, losing toPorto 4–1.[5]
UnderMiguel Cardoso, Rio Ave came fifth in2017–18, equalling their best finish.[7] Two years later, withCarlos Carvalhal in charge and IranianMehdi Taremi the league's joint top scorer, the club equalled this position with a new points record of 55.[8] In October 2020, the team reached theEuropa League playoffs but lost at home toA.C. Milan, having conceded a penalty equaliser in the last minute of extra time and then losing 9–8 on penalties.[9] The season, under the returning Cardoso, ended with relegation after a 5–0 aggregate defeat toF.C. Arouca in the playoffs.[10]
After relegation, Rio Ave signed 35-year-old managerLuís Freire, who won promotion as champions in2021–22 and was rewarded with a new contract.[11]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Current season
IFK Göteborg
Dynamo Kyiv
Steaua București
Aalborg
Slavia Prague
Jagiellonia Białystok
Borac Banja Luka
Beşiktaş
Milan
Santa Clara
Astana
Rijeka
Sotiris Silaidopoulos
Abel Braga (1986)
