Matteo Tognozzi Accepts Role as New Director of Rio Ave

Matteo Tognozzi is the new director of Rio Ave. He will help the club’s plans as part of the Marinakis football project.

NEW DIRECTOR ARRIVES IN PORTUGAL

Tognozzi left Granada in February 2025 and now moves to Rio Ave. The club wants to rebuild and grow with new leadership. At Juventus, where he started as a scout in 2017, Tognozzi found talents like Kenan Yildiz and Matias Soule. He is known for discovering and developing young players. He was most recently at Granada as sporting director, trying to help the Spanish side establish themselves in La Liga before leaving earlier this year.

A CLUB SEARCHING FOR STABILITY

Rio Ave have struggled in the Primeira Liga this season; the club sits 15th in the Portuguese table, with only three points from four matches so far in the Primeira Liga. Goals have been hard to come by, with the team’s top scorer, Emmanuel Boateng, netting five times in 28 matches. Consistency has eluded the squad, especially in defence; the club hope Tognozzi’s youth recruitment experience can help them build a stronger foundation for the future. The Marinakis ownership group is known for its ambition in other football leagues and wants Rio Ave to match that drive and progress. By appointing Tognozzi, they are signalling a new focus on development and smart transfers.

WHAT NOW FOR RIO AVE AND TOGNOZZI

Rio Ave’s next match is crucial — hosting leaders FC Porto, currently with five wins from five matches. A win would lift Rio Ave above their rivals and provide a buffer from the relegation places. Tognozzi will join the club immediately and start assessing the squad and looking for transfer targets for the upcoming window. Fans hope his arrival brings fresh ideas and results on the pitch, helping Rio Ave avoid relegation and build a squad ready for future success in Portuguese football.