Why Was FC Porto’s Win Over Rio Ave So Special for Argentine Defender Nehuen Perez?

The Argentine defender returned to the starting XI after nearly a year and marked his comeback with a dream performance. Here’s the full story.

FC Porto’s victory over Rio Ave had a special protagonist: Nehuén Pérez. The Argentine defender returned to the starting lineup after nearly a year, scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win and was named MVP of the match on Matchday 2 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

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350 Days Later, Nehuén Pérez Is Back in the Starting XI

Pérez’s last start came on August 30, 2025, against Sporting CP, meaning 350 days had passed before Francesco Farioli named him in the starting lineup again. This time, he also had to adapt to a different role, playing as a right-back due to Martim Fernandes’ injury.

His comeback could hardly have gone better. In the 11th minute, Pérez rose inside the box to head home Gabri Veiga’s corner and make it 1-0. The goal set Porto on its way to a win that Borja Sainz later sealed.

The comeback was even more meaningful given the long recovery process the Argentine endured. In September 2025, he suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture, an injury that kept him sidelined for months. After more than 240 days out, he gradually returned to action before earning his place back in the starting XI.

“My Heart and Determination Will Never Be Missing”

Pérez’s emotions were evident after the match. The defender described returning as a starter after such a difficult year as “an enormous source of pride” and explained that his goal was special because he wanted to acknowledge the people who supported him throughout his recovery.

“When I scored, I wanted to go over to the people who helped me and were so important to me. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said after the match.

On his new position, Pérez made it clear that he is willing to sacrifice for the team: “At FC Porto, you have to adapt wherever you’re needed.”

He finished with a statement that perfectly summed up his comeback, later shared by the Dragons on social media: “You can count on me wherever you need me. My heart and determination will never be missing.”