Rocco Ríos Novo 2025: Inter Miami’s #34, Million Dollar Saves & Net Worth That’ll Make You Drop Your Nachos
Let’s talk about Rocco Ríos Novo! Maybe he’s not a household name yet, but Inter Miami CF’s #34 is writing a story you’ll want to follow. Ríos Novo, young and brimming with talent, came to Miami on loan from Lanús for the 2025 MLS season—and wow, he’s already flashed those sharp reflexes and quick reads that you just can’t teach.
He’s only 23, but you can feel the confidence and energy he brings every time he steps between the sticks. That’s a position where you need nerves of steel and a little bit of swagger, and he’s got both.
Now, at 5’8”, Ríos Novo isn’t towering over strikers like some of the other keepers in MLS. But let me tell you, he makes up for it with athleticism and instincts that jump right off the screen. For a guy his age, he’s already bounced around a few clubs, and Inter Miami sees him as a big piece of their plans. Want to dig into his journey and numbers? Take a look at his player profile.
Ready to see why Inter Miami picked this guy for their 2025 campaign? Stick with me, and we’ll break down what makes him such a unique keeper—on and off the pitch.
Contents
Rocco Ríos Novo’s Role at Inter Miami CF
Rocco Ríos Novo has jumped right into a pressure-packed spot for Inter Miami’s goalkeeping crew. With the roster shuffling around, his role feels even bigger as Miami grinds through the MLS season.
Current Squad Status
You’ll catch Ríos Novo wearing the number 34 for Inter Miami CF. He landed here on loan from Lanús in Argentina, bringing a mix of youth and experience that’s pretty rare.
Miami’s brutal schedule means every keeper has to be ready, and Ríos Novo’s already stepped up, especially when the veterans couldn’t go.
Earlier this year, an injury to Óscar Ustari shook up Miami’s keeper situation. Ríos Novo got the call, and he had to adjust fast to the MLS pace. His agility and those lightning-quick reflexes have turned heads in matches and on the training pitch.
He’s got American roots, and his time with Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship made the move to Miami feel like a perfect fit.
Here’s a snapshot of his key details:
| Name | Age | Nationality | Loaned From | Shirt Number | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocco Ríos Novo | 23 | United States/Argentina | Lanús | 34 | 5’8″ |
Competition for the Starting Spot
Inter Miami’s keeper battle is one of the stories of the season. Ríos Novo is fighting for minutes with Drake Callender, who’s handled the job before, and Óscar Ustari, a veteran working his way back from injury.
Ríos Novo might not have the size, but he makes up for it with quick reactions and smart positioning. He stays locked in, even when the pressure’s on, and has pulled off some clutch saves.
The coaching staff likes having more than one guy pushing for starts—keeps everyone hungry, right? No one’s spot is safe, and that’s just how it should be.
When Callender returns and Ustari is healthy, things could get interesting. Who gets the nod will depend on form, fitness, and how Ríos Novo handles his chances this summer.
Depth in the Goalkeeping Department
Inter Miami brought in Ríos Novo to beef up their depth across all competitions. His arrival has shored up the keeper group, which you really need with the MLS grind.
Before Ríos Novo, Miami leaned a little too hard on Ustari and Callender. Injuries could’ve left them in a tough spot. Now, with the Argentine-American in the mix, they’ve got three solid options to rotate.
That depth is huge, especially with fixture pileups and international call-ups. Ríos Novo brings a blend of youth and experience, so Miami isn’t scrambling if someone goes down.
The club’s planning shows they want to compete everywhere and avoid getting caught short-handed. Want more on his signing? Check out Inter Miami’s official announcement.
Player Profile and Background
Rocco Ríos Novo brings a unique mix to the table—a goalkeeper with roots in both the U.S. and Argentina. His early years, physical gifts, and international eligibility all play into his MLS journey.
Early Life and Nationality
He was born June 4, 2002, in Los Angeles, but his family moved back to Argentina when he was little. That gave him a foot in both worlds, and you can see it in the way he plays.
Ríos Novo started his soccer journey in Lanús’s youth system, a club known for developing talent in Argentina. That’s where he really sharpened his technical game and ability to adapt.
He’s played for Argentina at the youth level, so he’s got a strong sense of both American and Argentinian soccer cultures.
From California to Argentina’s youth leagues, his path is anything but typical. That dual background gives him a perspective you just don’t find in every MLS keeper.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Ríos Novo is listed at about 181 cm—just under 6 feet. Some places have him at 5’8”, but honestly, his height doesn’t hold him back.
What stands out right away is his agility. He’s super quick, comes off his line with confidence, and his footwork is top-notch.
His distribution with both hands and feet is a real asset, letting Miami build from the back even under pressure.
Here’s a quick look at the basics:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 181 cm |
| Age | 23 |
| Club | Inter Miami CF |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Jersey Number | 34 |
He anticipates plays well and doesn’t panic with the ball at his feet. His time in Argentina’s youth competitions shaped him into more than just a shot-stopper.
Eligibility for National Teams
Ríos Novo can play for both Argentina and the U.S. He was born in L.A., so he’s got American citizenship, but he’s also eligible for Argentina through his family and time with Lanús.
He’s repped Argentina at youth levels, so for now, he’s aligned there. But with his dual nationality, you might hear his name pop up for the US Men’s National Team if he keeps rising in MLS.
He still has the option to switch, so that’s a storyline to keep an eye on as he keeps growing at Inter Miami. For more, check out his Wikipedia page.
Club Career and Transfers
Ríos Novo has already logged time with top clubs in both Argentina and the U.S. You can follow his rise by looking at his loans, his development at Lanús, and his first big break with Atlanta United.
Loan Move to Inter Miami
Inter Miami grabbed Ríos Novo on loan from Lanús early in 2025, aiming to bolster the keeper group. The deal covers the whole season, with an option to make it permanent.
At 23, he arrived as an Argentine-American, giving Miami more flexibility and depth in goal. He came in during a time of change for the club’s keepers and took the number 34 shirt.
For the contract details, check the official announcement.
Current Club: Inter Miami CF
Jersey Number: 34
Loan Details: 2025 MLS season, with option to buy
Nationality: Argentine-American
Career at Lanús
Ríos Novo kicked off his senior career at Club Atlético Lanús, a club always in the thick of things in Argentina’s top division.
He mostly developed with the youth and reserve teams, but his potential caught the eye of clubs at home and abroad. That led to loan spells where he could really get some minutes and experience.
His contract with Lanús runs through 2025, unless Miami decides to buy. Lanús saw the loan as a way for him to grow and get exposure outside Argentina.
Atlanta United Experience
Before Miami, Ríos Novo spent time with Atlanta United—first the youth team, then Atlanta United 2 in the USL, and eventually the senior squad.
He made his senior debut in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, stepping up when injuries hit. After that, he played several matches for both the senior and reserve teams, showing he could handle pressure.
He also played in the USL with Phoenix Rising, which helped him build his rep in American soccer. Those loan spells really show his steady climb and adaptability.
Key Atlanta United Stats
| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| MLS | 7 | 2 |
| USL Championship | 20+ | 6 |
| CONCACAF Champions Lg. | 2 | 1 |
You can find more on his MLS profile.
Performance and Statistics
Ríos Novo’s run as Inter Miami’s goalkeeper has already featured some big moments and steady shot-stopping. If you’re tracking his stats and those game-changing saves, you’re getting the real story of his 2025 season.
Clean Sheets and Defensive Records
Clean sheets matter, plain and simple. So far in 2025, Ríos Novo has put up some solid numbers for Inter Miami, with clean sheets in both league and cup play.
His ability to organize the backline has helped Miami grind out results in tight games. Defensive organization is definitely one of his calling cards.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 clean sheets:
| Competition | Matches Played | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Major League Soccer (MLS) | 18 | 6 |
| Concacaf Champions Cup | 4 | 2 |
| U.S. Open Cup | 2 | 1 |
You can see these stats on his official Inter Miami season page. His calm presence and command of the box have helped Miami keep things tight at the back, especially when they needed it most.
MLS and USL Performance
Ríos Novo has really stepped up under the MLS spotlight, showing off disciplined performances when it mattered most. Before he landed at Inter Miami, he played for Atlanta United and then Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship.
In Phoenix, he made a name for himself with lightning-quick reflexes and a knack for keeping his back line organized, especially when the pressure was on.
This season at Inter Miami, he’s posted a 71% save percentage. That’s pretty solid, considering the firepower in MLS these days.
He averages 3.8 saves per game. That number says a lot about his agility and instincts.
Let’s check out Ríos Novo’s stats in both MLS and USL:
| Team | League | Matches | Save % | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami CF | MLS (2025) | 18 | 71 | 6 |
| Phoenix Rising | USL (2023) | 32 | 68 | 10* |
*USL figures are approximate.
It’s clear his performances don’t dip, no matter the league. You can see his growth in shot-stopping and distribution. For more details on his USL days, Transfermarkt has the full profile.
Notable Matches and Highlights
Some games just stick in your mind, and Ríos Novo’s 2025 campaign has had a few of those. Against New York City FC, he racked up six crucial saves—none bigger than that diving stop in the dying minutes to seal a tight win for Inter Miami.
In the Concacaf Champions Cup, he kept a clean sheet in the second leg of a knockout tie. His calm distribution and quick reactions stood out, showing just how much he’s grown since his Phoenix days.
These moments have given coaches and fans plenty of confidence. If you want to dive into highlight reels and stats, Sporting Life has plenty of footage showing off his sharp reflexes and command in the box.
International Experience
Rocco Ríos Novo has built his reputation as a disciplined goalkeeper with Argentina’s youth teams. His early showings in international tournaments—especially with the U-17s—put him on the radar for fans and scouts.
Argentina Youth International Success
You really see the value of international experience when a player not only makes the squad but actually plays in the big games. Ríos Novo, born in Los Angeles, chose to represent Argentina at youth level. That decision threw him into intense competition and high-stakes matches.
He faced some of South America’s best young attackers in CONMEBOL events. Training sessions there focused hard on reflexes and fundamentals. Coaches often praised his poise and leadership, which helped him stand out.
His time with Argentina’s youth teams exposed him to all kinds of playing styles. That adaptability carried over to his club play and gave him valuable experience on the international stage.
Achievements With Argentina U-17
If you look at Ríos Novo’s run with the Argentina U-17s, his leadership and cool head in big moments really come through. He wore the Argentina U-17 jersey in major tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the South American U-17 Championship.
In 2019, he started every game as Argentina made it to the quarterfinals at the U-17 World Cup. His shot-stopping and command of the area helped keep Argentina in every match, right up until a narrow loss to Paraguay.
Argentina U-17 Stats (2019):
| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA U-17 World Cup | 5 | 2 |
| South American U-17 Champs | 7 | 3 |
His performances there got people talking about him as one of the top young goalkeepers in the region.
Potential Senior National Team Career
Right now, Rocco Ríos Novo hasn’t earned a cap with Argentina’s senior team. Since he was born in Los Angeles, he could also play for the United States or Mexico. That keeps his options wide open if Argentina doesn’t call.
Watching him at Inter Miami CF, you can see why he’s in the mix for a senior call-up. Regular minutes in MLS could help his case. Some analysts say his club performances, plus his experience with Argentina’s youth teams, might push him onto a senior squad soon.
Of course, breaking into Argentina’s national team as a goalkeeper is no easy feat—the depth there is wild. Until he gets that first cap, the doors to the US or Mexico stay open, adding a little extra intrigue to his international future. For more on his eligibility and career path, check out his Wikipedia profile.
Key Moments and Career Development
You can follow Rocco Ríos Novo’s story through big matches, early achievements, and key moves between clubs. Every stop along the way has tested his skills and helped him grow into a reliable keeper.
Performance at Phoenix Rising
Ríos Novo looked right at home facing tough attackers during his spell with Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship. He joined on loan in 2021 after making some noise with Atlanta United and Lanús.
His time in Phoenix meant constant high-pressure situations, and that sharpened his shot-stopping and distribution.
In the 2021 season, he posted some eye-catching numbers—multiple clean sheets and a save percentage that stood out in the league.
| Season | Games Played | Clean Sheets | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 3 | 76% |
But it wasn’t just about the stats. Ríos Novo’s communication with defenders and confidence coming off his line kept Phoenix Rising in the hunt during playoff pushes.
Team staff often mentioned his maturity, which is rare for such a young keeper adapting from youth football with Lanús and Atlanta United.
Key MLS and USL Playoff Matches
Let’s talk about Ríos Novo—this guy’s been in the spotlight since he was a teenager. Back at Atlanta United, he jumped right into CONCACAF Champions League play and, honestly, fans noticed how calm he looked with all that pressure.
Later on, he joined Phoenix Rising for the USL playoffs. He pulled off some clutch saves, and those moments? They pushed the club deeper into the postseason. Coaches especially loved how he handled those nerve-wracking penalty shootouts.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ríos Novo’s taking charge with Inter Miami CF. The team trusted him as their starter, and he delivered—making huge saves against some of the Eastern Conference’s best. Here’s a quick rundown of his recent playoff highlights:
- Atlanta United (2021): Debuted in CONCACAF Champions League, keeping his squad alive against tough Mexican opponents.
- Phoenix Rising (2021): Racked up 8 saves in a USL playoff match that sent Phoenix through to the next round.
- Inter Miami CF (2025): Started every knockout match and helped the club snag their first playoff win in two seasons.
You can see it, right? Those big-game moments earned trust from every club and proved Ríos Novo isn’t afraid to step up when everything’s on the line.
