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{{Short description|Spanish football manager (born 1982)}}
{{about|the former Spain international footballer|another Spanish footballer|Albert Riera (footballer, born 1983)}}
{{family name hatnote|Riera|Ortega|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Albert Riera
| image = 1 albert riera 2017 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Riera in 2017
| full_name = Albert Riera Ortega<ref>{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=26921|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 10 de mayo de 2015, en Palma de Mallorca|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 10 May 2015, in Palma de Mallorca|publisher=[[Royal Spanish Football Federation]]|language=es|date=10 May 2015|access-date=18 June 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219090355/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=26921|archive-date=19 February 2023}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|4|15|df=y}}<ref name=Profile>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/166/4262.html|title=Albert RIERA Ortega|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Manacor]], Spain<ref name=Profile/>
| height = 1.87 m<ref name=Profile/>
| position = [[Winger (association football)|Winger]], [[left-back]]
| currentclub = [[NK Celje|Celje]] (manager)
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 1999–2000 | youthclubs1 = [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]]
| years1 = 2000–2002 | clubs1 = [[RCD Mallorca B|Mallorca B]] | caps1 = 54 | goals1 = 12
| years2 = 2001–2003 | clubs2 = [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] | caps2 = 46 | goals2 = 6
| years3 = 2003–2005 | clubs3 = [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]] | caps3 = 53 | goals3 = 4
| years4 = 2005–2008 | clubs4 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps4 = 72 | goals4 = 8
| years5 = 2006 | clubs5 = → [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] (loan) | caps5 = 15 | goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2008–2010 | clubs6 = [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] | caps6 = 40 | goals6 = 3
| years7 = 2010–2011 | clubs7 = [[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]] | caps7 = 26 | goals7 = 6
| years8 = 2011–2014 | clubs8 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]] | caps8 = 60 | goals8 = 3
| years9 = 2014 | clubs9 = [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] | caps9 = 8 | goals9 = 1
| years10 = 2014 | clubs10 = [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] | caps10 = 0 | goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2015 | clubs11 = [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] | caps11 = 6 | goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2015 | clubs12 = [[NK Zavrč|Zavrč]] | caps12 = 12 | goals12 = 1
| years13 = 2016 | clubs13 = [[FC Koper|Koper]] | caps13 = 1 | goals13 = 0
| totalcaps = 393 | totalgoals = 45
| nationalyears1 = 2000–2001 | nationalteam1 = [[Spain national under-18 football team|Spain U18]] | nationalcaps1 = 11 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2002–2003 | nationalteam2 = [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain U21]] | nationalcaps2 = 15 | nationalgoals2 = 2
| nationalyears3 = 2007–2009 | nationalteam3 = [[Spain national football team|Spain]] | nationalcaps3 = 16 | nationalgoals3 = 4
| manageryears1 = 2022–2023 | managerclubs1 = [[NK Olimpija Ljubljana|Olimpija Ljubljana]]
| manageryears2 = 2023 | managerclubs2 = [[NK Celje|Celje]]
| manageryears3 = 2023–2024 | managerclubs3 = [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]
| manageryears4 = 2024– | managerclubs4 = [[NK Celje|Celje]]
}}
'''Albert Riera Ortega''' (born 15 April 1982) is a Spanish professional [[Manager (association football)|football manager]] and former player who is the manager of [[Slovenian PrvaLiga]] club [[NK Celje|Celje]].

He played as a [[winger (association football)|left winger]], and also as a [[left-back]]. He made a name for himself at [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] (with whom he won a [[Copa del Rey]] and reached the [[2007 UEFA Cup final]]) and also played professionally in France, England, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Slovenia, notably spending three years with [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]].

Riera won 16 [[Cap (sport)|caps]] for [[Spain national football team|Spain]], representing the nation at the [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup|2009 Confederations Cup]]. He began managing in 2022, leading [[NK Olimpija Ljubljana|Olimpija Ljubljana]] to the Slovenian PrvaLiga title and [[Slovenian Football Cup|cup]] for a [[Double (association football)|double]] in his [[2022–23 Slovenian PrvaLiga|first season]].

==Club career==
===Mallorca===
Born in [[Manacor]], [[Balearic Islands]], Riera started his professional career with hometown club [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]]. He made his first-team debut on 25 February 2001 under [[Luis Aragonés]] in [[La Liga]], as a 71st-minute [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] for [[Lluís Carreras]] in a 2–1 loss at [[Racing de Santander]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/02/26/pagina-28/425338/pdf.html#&mode=fullScreen|title=El Racing no se rinde y frena al Mallorca|trans-title=Racing don't surrender and put the brakes on Mallorca|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|first=Ernesto|last=Vicario|language=es|date=26 February 2001|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref> and scored his first goal on 27 May by coming off the bench to conclude a 4–0 home win over [[Rayo Vallecano]] that secured a [[UEFA Champions League]] place.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/05/28/pagina-25/1441256/pdf.html#&mode=fullScreen|title=Mallorca de Champions|trans-title=Champions League Mallorca|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Ángel|last=Aguiló|language=es|date=28 May 2001|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref> He totalled 17 games and three goals in his first two seasons.

In the [[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03 campaign]], already an undisputed starter, Riera helped the local team to [[2002–03 Copa del Rey|the conquest]] of the [[Copa del Rey]],<ref name=COPA>{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/2003/06/29/deportes/1056837603_850215.html|title=Eto'o pone Mallorca a brindar|trans-title=Eto'o has Mallorca toasting|newspaper=[[El País]]|first=José|last=Miguelez|language=es|date=29 June 2003|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> and scored four league goals in 35 games.<ref name=Mirror>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/most-popular/2008/08/29/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-new-liverpool-signing-albert-riera-115875-20716276/|title=10 things you need to know about new Liverpool signing Albert Riera|newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]|first=Dan|last=Silver|date=29 August 2008|access-date=1 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614145034/http://www.mirror.co.uk/most-popular/2008/08/29/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-new-liverpool-signing-albert-riera-115875-20716276/|archive-date=14 June 2009}}</ref>

===Bordeaux===
In the summer of 2003, Riera moved to [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0193-0e6ab3dac6e4-9b17d73f92c6-1000--riera-raring-to-go-at-bordeaux/|title=Riera raring to go at Bordeaux|publisher=UEFA|date=31 July 2003|access-date=24 August 2010}}</ref> He made 66 competitive appearances for the [[Ligue 1]] side over a two-year spell, netting nine times;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football365.fr/espagnols-de-ligue-1-diapo-2653871.html#item=1|title=Les espagnols de la Ligue 1 [Diapo]|trans-title=The Ligue 1 Spaniards [Diapo]|publisher=Football 365|language=fr|date=8 August 2016|access-date=9 November 2019}}</ref> this included five in a run to the quarter-finals of the [[UEFA Cup]] in his [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|first season]] before elimination by eventual winners [[Valencia CF|Valencia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/sport/20030926.OBS7087/laborieuse-victoire-de-bordeaux-a-domicile.html|title=Laborieuse victoire de Bordeaux à domicile|trans-title=Laborious home victory for Bordeaux|newspaper=[[L'Obs]]|language=fr|date=2 October 2003|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/28/newsstory.sport3|title=French aces trump Hearts|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Graham|last=Clark|date=28 November 2003|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/019b-0ea6b7aca47c-c78e15ad5086-1000--bordeaux-find-extra-gear/|title=Bordeaux find extra gear|publisher=UEFA|date=3 March 2004|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/019b-0e6c105d4ea6-fffd58725143-1000--bordeaux-braced-for-brugge/|title=Bordeaux braced for Brugge|publisher=UEFA|date=25 March 2004|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/019c-0e6ad5d8f788-33e54e9e5551-1000--rufete-sparks-valencia-joy/|title=Rufete sparks Valencia joy|publisher=UEFA|date=8 April 2004|access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref>

===Espanyol===
Riera returned to Spain in 2005, when he signed for [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0257-0de68328be3e-adfe0130a228-1000--riera-wings-into-espanyol/|title=Riera wings into Espanyol|publisher=UEFA|date=7 July 2005|access-date=24 August 2010}}</ref> In his [[2005–06 La Liga|first season]] he played only eight league matches, prompting a January 2006 loan move to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=382387.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105102306/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=382387.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 January 2013|title=City tempt Riera to England|publisher=UEFA|date=5 January 2006|access-date=24 August 2010}}</ref> where he was also unable to establish himself, scoring his only goal against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in a 3–0 home win on 1 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657216.stm|title=Man City 3–0 Newcastle|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=1 February 2006|access-date=20 November 2009}}</ref>

Riera returned to [[Catalonia]] prior to [[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]]. During that season, Espanyol [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|reached]] the [[2007 UEFA Cup final|final]] of the UEFA Cup at [[Hampden Park]], Glasgow, where they played fellow Spaniards [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]]; he scored to level the game at 1–1, but his team eventually lost 3–1 on [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalties]].<ref name=UEFA>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6657065.stm|title=Espanyol 2–2 Sevilla|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Charlie|last=Henderson|date=16 May 2007|access-date=19 March 2010}}</ref> At the end of the campaign, he extended his contract until 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2007/08/23/mas_futbol/1187820012_850215.html|title=Riera prolonga su contrato con el Espanyol hasta el 2011|trans-title=Riera extends his contract with Espanyol until 2011|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|language=es|date=23 August 2007|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>

===Liverpool===
[[File:2009-3-14 ManUtd vs LFC Ronaldo Tackling cropped.JPG|thumb|upright|Riera (left) in action for Liverpool]]
On 1 September 2008 (transfer deadline day), Riera signed a four-year deal with [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] for a fee of [[Pound sterling|£]]8 million, being given the number 11 shirt.<ref name=Mirror/> He made his [[Premier League]] debut on the 13th, playing 71 minutes of a 2–1 home win against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7601885.stm|title=Liverpool 2–1 Man Utd|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Mandeep|last=Sanghera|date=13 September 2008|access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref> and scored his first goal for the Reds as they beat [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] 3–2 on 18 October,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7665090.stm|title=Liverpool 3–2 Wigan|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Russell|last=Barder|date=18 October 2008|access-date=19 March 2010}}</ref> adding another in the 3–1 victory at [[PSV Eindhoven]] in the [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|group stage]] of the Champions League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7763223.stm|title=PSV 1–3 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Ian|last=Hughes|date=9 December 2008|access-date=19 March 2010}}</ref>

Riera netted Liverpool's first goal of 2009, and also scored in [[2008–09 FA Cup|the third round]] in the [[FA Cup]] on 3 January, against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7803324.stm|title=Preston 0–2 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Mark|last=Ashenden|date=3 January 2009|access-date=22 September 2009}}</ref> Later during [[2008–09 Premier League|that season]] he scored against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in a 5–0 home rout on 22 March 2009, through a half-volley after [[Pepe Reina]]'s long [[goal kick]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7937107.stm|title=Liverpool 5–0 Aston Villa|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Phil|last=McNulty|date=22 March 2009|access-date=19 March 2010}}</ref>

On 18 March 2010, Riera was suspended after comments made to the Spanish press regarding his first team opportunities and the approach of manager [[Rafael Benítez]]. The player was quoted as saying: "He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8574001.stm|title=Rafael Benitez keen to offload outspoken Albert Riera|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 March 2010|access-date=28 March 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325093806/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8574001.stm|archive-date=25 March 2010}}</ref> He was transfer listed following the comments, with Russian clubs [[PFC CSKA Moscow|CSKA Moscow]] and [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] thought to be interested in a permanent move.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rafael-benitez-banishes-vocal-albert-riera-vn7h67wkg7r|title=Rafael Benitez banishes vocal Albert Riera|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=19 March 2010|access-date=9 November 2019}}</ref> On the 23rd of that month it was announced that Liverpool had accepted a £6 million bid from CSKA for the player;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/23/albert-riera-rafael-benitez-liverpool-transfer|title=Liverpool accept £6m offer from CSKA Moscow for Albert Riera|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|first=Andy|last=Hunter|date=24 March 2010|access-date=28 March 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324193143/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/23/albert-riera-rafael-benitez-liverpool-transfer|archive-date=24 March 2010}}</ref> however, it appeared to be solely rumours, any interest was officially denied<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=761284&sec=transfers&cc=5739|title=CSKA deny interest in Albert Riera|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=25 March 2010|access-date=28 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402070914/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=761284&sec=transfers&cc=5739|archive-date=2 April 2010}}</ref>– additionally, the player's agent, Ángel Castells, confirmed that only Spartak had made a proposal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Benitez/subasta/Riera/elpepidep/20100327elpepidep_6/Tes|title=Benítez 'subasta' a Riera|trans-title=Benítez 'auctions' Riera|newspaper=El País|first=Jordi|last=Quixano|language=es|date=27 March 2010|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref>

===Olympiacos===
On 23 July 2010, Riera joined [[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]] on a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8843423.stm|title=Liverpool winger Albert Riera completes Olympiakos move|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 July 2010|access-date=23 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723133030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8843423.stm|archive-date=23 July 2010}}</ref> The deal was reported to be worth around [[Euro|€]]6 million (€4 million plus another potential €2&nbsp;million in bonuses), with a salary of around €2.5&nbsp;million per season; he became one of the most expensive transfers in the country's history, as he reunited with former Espanyol manager [[Ernesto Valverde]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1549/rest-of-europe/2010/07/23/2039025/breaking-news-official-olympiacos-sign-albert-riera-from|title=Official: Olympiacos sign Albert Riera from Liverpool|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|first=Adam|last=Scime|date=23 July 2010|access-date=23 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725014848/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1549/rest-of-europe/2010/07/23/2039025/breaking-news-official-olympiacos-sign-albert-riera-from|archive-date=25 July 2010}}</ref>

Riera scored his first goal against [[Kerkyra F.C.|Kerkyra]] in a 2–0 home win,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/olympiakos-kerkyra-2-0.7929817.html|title=Ολυμπιακός-Κέρκυρα 2–0|trans-title=Olympiacos-Kerkyra 2–0|publisher=Sport 24|first=Panos|last=Charalampous|language=el|date=11 September 2010|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/podosfairo/olympiakos-kerkyra-2-0-vids.6861324.html|title=Ολυμπιακός – Κέρκυρα 2–0 (vids)|trans-title=Ολυμπιακός – Κέρκυρα 2–0 (videos)|publisher=Contra|language=el|date=11 September 2010|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> and appeared in 28 competitive matches during [[2010–11 Super League Greece|the season]] as the [[Piraeus]] team won the [[Super League Greece]].<ref name=SLG>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2011/03/21/futbol/1300662014.html|title=El Olympiacos de Valverde, campeón de la Liga griega|trans-title=Valverde's Olympiacos, Greek League champions|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=21 March 2011|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref>

===Galatasaray===
[[File:Riera.JPG|left|thumb|180px|Riera playing for Galatasaray against [[Ankaragucu|Ankaragücü]] (2012)]]
On 3 September 2011, Riera completed a €3 million move to Turkish side [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]], signing a four-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/21/fichajes/2011/09/03/2648808/es-oficial-el-galatasaray-ficha-a-albert-riera|title=Es oficial: El Galatasaray ficha a Albert Riera|trans-title=It's official: Galatasaray sign Albert Riera|publisher=Goal|language=es|date=3 September 2011|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref> He scored his first goal in the [[Süper Lig]] on 25 January 2012 in a 4–0 home defeat of [[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]], and was an habitual first-choice in his [[2011–12 Süper Lig|first season]] as the [[Istanbul]]-based team won the national championship; he was also involved, however, in a punching session with teammate [[Felipe Melo]] just before the playoffs started.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/melo-riera-brawl-overshadows-last-week-in-the-super-league.aspx?pageID=238&nID=17843&NewsCatID=362|title=Melo-Riera brawl overshadows last week in the Super League|newspaper=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|date=7 April 2012|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>

Following the arrival of prospect [[Nordin Amrabat]] for the [[2012–13 Süper Lig|2012–13 campaign]], Riera was reconverted by manager [[Fatih Terim]] into an attacking [[left-back]], mainly due to the lack of options in the position other than injury-prone [[Hakan Balta]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/03/29/en/football/real_madrid/1364512402.html|title="Galatasaray fans win games"|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|first=Juan Ignacio|last=García-Ochoa|date=29 March 2013|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref> On 28 January 2014, he agreed to have his contract terminated for €750,000 and left the [[Türk Telekom Stadium|Ali Sami Yen Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccernews.com/riera-amrabat-leave-galatasaray/136985/|title=Riera, Amrabat leave Galatasaray|publisher=Soccer News|first=Nemanja|last=Lazarevic|date=28 January 2014|access-date=3 February 2014}}</ref>

===Watford===
On 24 March 2014, Riera signed a pre-contract with Italian side [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]], effective as of 1 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.udinese.it/portal/IT/handle/?hil&page=redazione_approfondimenti&vid=2312|title=Primo tassello per la prossima stagione: ha firmato Albert Riera Ortega|trans-title=First piece for next season: Albert Riera Ortega has signed|publisher=Udinese Calcio|language=it|date=24 March 2014|access-date=24 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324190225/http://www.udinese.it/portal/IT/handle/?hil&page=redazione_approfondimenti&vid=2312|archive-date=24 March 2014}}</ref> Three days later, he joined [[Football League Championship]]'s [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] until the end of [[2013–14 Football League Championship|the season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/watford-sign-former-liverpool-and-spain-winger-albert-riera-on-until-the-end-of-season-9219203.html|title=Watford sign former Liverpool and Spain winger Albert Riera on until the end of season|newspaper=[[Evening Standard]]|date=27 March 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}</ref>

Riera scored his first and only goal for Watford on 19 April 2014, in the 3–1 home win over [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26998629|title=Watford 3–1 Ipswich|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 April 2014|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> He had an extended run until late in the month, when he was [[Ejection (sports)|sent off]] for two bookable offences in a 3–1 loss at [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] after a high challenge on [[Diego Poyet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/140429-charlton-match-report-1518040.aspx|title=Match report: Charlton Athletic 3–1 Watford|publisher=Watford F.C.|date=29 April 2014|access-date=18 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617183228/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/140429-charlton-match-report-1518040.aspx|archive-date=17 June 2014}}</ref> After the match, he was charged by [[The Football Association]] for improper conduct, having confronted the officials and having to be dragged away by his team-mates;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11686/9291696/watford-winger-albert-riera-faces-fa-misconduct-charge-over-reaction-to-red-card|title=Watford winger Albert Riera faces FA misconduct charge over reaction to red card|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|date=1 May 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}</ref> he was given a two-match ban although only one remained to end the campaign,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/11193325.Riera_handed_additional_one_match_suspension/|title=Watford's Albert Riera handed additional one-match ban by the FA for his conduct following his red card against Charlton Athletic|newspaper=[[Watford Observer]]|date=6 May 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}</ref> and he subsequently returned to Udinese.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/140604-released-players-announcement-1602043.aspx|title=Official: Released players confirmed|publisher=Watford F.C.|date=4 June 2014|access-date=17 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617184821/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/140604-released-players-announcement-1602043.aspx|archive-date=17 June 2014}}</ref>

===Later career===
On 29 November 2014, Riera was sacked by Udinese for attending a [[poker tournament]] rather than reporting to play against [[AC ChievoVerona|Chievo]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Udinese/24-11-2014/udinese-albert-riera-asso-poker-secondo-un-torneo-mentre-compagni-pareggiano-col-chievo-10040405691.shtml|title=Udinese, Albert Riera, il calciatore dimenticato che vince a poker|trans-title=Udinese, Albert Riera, the forgotten player who wins at poker|newspaper=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]|language=it|date=24 November 2014|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2284157-ex-liverpool-man-albert-riera-sacked-by-udinese-after-missing-game-to-play-poker|title=Ex-Liverpool man Albert Riera sacked by Udinese after missing game to play poker|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|first=Mark|last=Patterson|date=30 November 2014|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref> also taking to [[Twitter]] to insult the organisation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.calcioweb.eu/2014/11/udinese-riera-cacciato-via-insultava-la-squadra-su-twitter-e-giocava-poker-durante-le-partite/150706/|title=Udinese – Riera cacciato via: insultava la squadra su Twitter e giocava a poker durante le partite|trans-title=Udinese – Riera gets the boot: insulting squad on Twitter and playing poker during match|publisher=Calcio Web|first=Giuseppe|last=Mazza|date=29 November 2014|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref> He returned to his first club Mallorca the following 5 March, after agreeing to a one-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rcdmallorca.es/principal_new.php?nombreModulo=noticiasDetalle&idnoticia=34094&idmenu=3|title=Riera vuelve a casa|trans-title=Riera returns home|publisher=RCD Mallorca|language=es|date=5 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190016/http://rcdmallorca.es/principal_new.php?nombreModulo=noticiasDetalle&idnoticia=34094&idmenu=3|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> In May, he was subjected to disciplinary proceedings after claiming he would not appear again for the team as long as [[Miquel Soler]] was the manager.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2015/05/19/futbol/equipos/mallorca/1432033628.html|title=El Mallorca abre expediente a Riera por "grave indisciplina"|trans-title=Mallorca start disciplinary proceedings on Riera for "severe breach of discipline"|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=19 May 2015|access-date=6 November 2015}}</ref>

On 11 September 2015, Slovenian sports newspaper [[Ekipa (Slovenia)|''Ekipa'']] reported that Riera would sign a contract with [[NK Zavrč|Zavrč]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ekipa24.si/clanek/nogomet/prva-liga/55f2caaedd306/zavrc-koper-senzacija-prihaja-nekdanji-spanski-reprezentant|title=Zavrc – Koper: Senzacija! Prihaja nekdanji spanski reprezentant|trans-title=Zavrc – Koper: Surprise! Former Spanish international arrives|newspaper=[[Ekipa (Slovenia)|Ekipa]]|language=sl|date=11 September 2015|access-date=15 September 2015}}</ref> Three days later, he was officially presented.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ekipa24.si/clanek/nogomet/prva-liga/55f84490a6d90/ekskluzivno-ce-niste-verjeli-zdaj-morate-riera-na-treningu-v-zavrcu|title=Riera v dresu Zavrča|trans-title=Riera in Zavrc's jersey|newspaper=Ekipa|language=sl|date=15 September 2015|access-date=15 September 2015}}</ref>

Riera terminated his contract on 22 January 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/riera-sporazumno-zapusca-zavrc/384016|title=Riera sporazumno zapušča Zavrč|trans-title=Riera is leaving Zavrc after mutual contract termination|publisher=[[Radiotelevizija Slovenija]]|author=S.J.|language=sl|date=22 January 2016|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> but remained in the country as he joined [[FC Koper|Koper]] until June 2018 shortly after.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nogomania.com/Slovenski-Nogomet/Ekipa/Koper/Novica/Rieri-pogodba-kar-do-leta-2018.aspx|title=Rieri pogodba kar do leta 2018|trans-title=Riera signed until 2018|publisher=Nogomania|author=Uredništvo|language=sl|date=26 January 2016|access-date=27 January 2016}}</ref> He joined the team also as an assistant [[sporting director]], and made one brief appearance against [[ND Primorje|Primorje]] in the first game of the second half of the season; he was then suspended from training and his contract was cancelled unilaterally in July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snportal.si/prva-liga/riera-ni-vec-clan-kopra/|title=Riera ni več član Kopra|trans-title=Riera is no longer a member of Koper|publisher=Slovenski nogometni portal|first=Peter|last=Dominko|language=sl|date=22 July 2016|access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>

==International career==
Riera made his debut for the [[Spain national football team|Spain national team]] on 13 October 2007 in an [[UEFA Euro 2008]] [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying|qualifier]] against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]], and scored from outside the box in a 3–1 away win.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/289897/0/victoria/seleccion/dinamarca/|title=España sale del túnel tras su triunfo en Dinamarca (1–3)|trans-title=Spain exit tunnel after win in Denmark (1–3)|newspaper=[[20 minutos]]|language=es|date=13 October 2007|access-date=30 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bada9cf27-14a0124ea95e-1000--espanyol-fly-flag-for-spain/|title=Espanyol fly flag for Spain|publisher=UEFA|first=Lucy|last=Turner|date=15 October 2007|access-date=31 March 2014}}</ref> However, he failed to make the final cut for the final stages, where the nation won the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodesevilla.es/deportes/revancha-Riera_0_269073736.html|title=La revancha de Riera|trans-title=Riera's revenge|newspaper=[[Diario de Sevilla]]|first=S.|last=Fest|language=es|date=16 June 2009|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>

Riera was again called to the squad in October 2008 for two [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualifiers]] after Sevilla's [[Diego Capel]] withdrew with an injury,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eldiariomontanes.es/20081008/deportes/futbol/bosque-recurre-riera-lugar-20081008.html|title=Del Bosque recurre a Riera en lugar del lesionado Capel|trans-title=Del Bosque relies on Riera in place of the injured Capel|newspaper=[[El Diario Montañés]]|first=Ignacio|last=Tylko|language=es|date=8 October 2008|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> and played 12 minutes in a 3–0 victory in [[Estonia national football team|Estonia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.farodevigo.es/deportes/2008/10/12/espana-supera-problemas-estonia-0-3-goles-juanito-villa-puyol/265524.html|title=España sale inmaculada de Estonia|trans-title=Spain leave Estonia unscathed|newspaper=[[Faro de Vigo]]|first=Roberto|last=Morales|language=es|date=12 October 2008|access-date=19 February 2018}}</ref> In the following year, on 1 April, he netted a [[Last-minute goal|last-minute winner]] in [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]] (2–1).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/matches/season=2010/round=15218/match=302466/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402165500/http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/matches/season=2010/round=15218/match=302466/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2010|title=Riera takes the wind out of Turkey's sails|publisher=UEFA|date=1 April 2009|access-date=10 June 2009}}</ref>

Manager [[Vicente del Bosque]] named Riera in the squad for the [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup]], and he made four appearances for the third-placed team.<ref name=FCC>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8118574.stm|title=Spain 3–2 South Africa (aet)|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 June 2009|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
===Galatasaray (assistant)===
Riera officially announced his retirement from football on 24 January 2018, through a social media post portraying himself having literally hung up his boots on a tree.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2018/01/24/primera/1516815671_549262.html|title=Albert Riera se retira del fútbol: "Es hora de decir adiós"|trans-title=Albert Riera retires from football: "It's time to say goodbye"|newspaper=Diario AS|language=es|date=24 January 2018|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref> He obtained a [[UEFA Pro Licence]] in 2019, and in August of the following year he returned to Galatasaray to be an assistant coach to Fatih Terim.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fanatik.com.tr/galatasarayda-albert-rieradan-fatih-terim-aciklamasi-2164072|title=Galatasaray'da Albert Riera'dan Fatih Terim açıklaması|trans-title=Fatih Terim statement by Albert Riera at Galatasaray|newspaper=[[Fanatik (Turkey)|Fanatik]]|language=tr|date=13 August 2020|access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> In January 2022, he went back to the [[Nef Stadium]] to work alongside compatriot [[Domènec Torrent]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodemallorca.es/deportes/2022/01/19/albert-riera-regresa-galatasaray-tecnico-61742611.html|title=Albert Riera regresa al Galatasaray como técnico ayudante|trans-title=Albert Riera returns to Galatasaray as assistant manager|newspaper=Diario de Mallorca|first=Sebastià|last=Adrover|language=es|date=19 January 2022|access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref>

===Olimpija Ljubljana===
On 4 July 2022, Riera returned to the Slovenian top tier when he was appointed manager of [[NK Olimpija Ljubljana|Olimpija Ljubljana]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ultimahora.es/deportes/futbol/2022/07/04/1753855/albert-riera-estrenara-como-entrenador-olimpija-ljubljana-esloveno.html|title=Albert Riera releva a Prosinecki en el banquillo de un histórico del fútbol esloveno|trans-title=Albert Riera takes over from Prosinecki on the bench of Slovenian football giants|newspaper=[[Última Hora (Spain)|Última Hora]]|language=es|date=4 July 2022|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> He was forced out of his first press conference by Olimpija [[ultras]], [[Green Dragons]], unhappy with the dismissal of predecessor [[Robert Prosinečki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cope.es/deportes/futbol/futbol-internacional/noticias/albert-riera-expulsado-por-los-ultras-presentacion-con-olimpija-liubliana-20220704_2179802|title=Albert Riera, expulsado por los ultras en su presentación con el Olimpija de Liubliana|trans-title=Albert Riera, expelled by ultras in his presentation at Olimpija Ljubljana|publisher=[[Cadena COPE]]|language=es|date=4 July 2022|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> He made his debut three days later at home to [[FC Differdange 03|Differdange 03]] in the [[2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League|first qualifying round]] of the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]], drawing 1–1,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/olimpija-differdange-dragons-583378|title=Navijačem Olimpije prekipelo, predsednik postal osovražena oseba|trans-title=Olimpija fans were furious, the president became a hated man|publisher=[[Siol]]|language=sl|first=Rok|last=Plestenjak|date=8 July 2022|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> and requiring extra time in the second leg to advance through the tie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/konferencna-liga-mura-gladko-naprej-olimpija-se-je-resila-v-podaljsku-583784|title=Mura zanesljivo v drugi krog, Olimpija se je pred blamažo rešila v 112. minuti|trans-title=Mura are in the second round, Olimpija saved themselves from embarrassment in the 112th minute|publisher=Siol|language=sl|date=14 July 2022|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> His team began the [[2022–23 Slovenian PrvaLiga|league season]] on 14 July with a 2–0 home win over [[NŠ Mura|Mura]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/olimpija-mura-odzivi-1snl-584007|title=Riera presenečen, trener Mure: Bil je sporen položaj|trans-title=Riera surprised, Mura manager: It was a controversial position|publisher=Siol|language=sl|date=18 July 2022|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> followed by a further seven victories for the club's best start since 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/riera-elsnik-olimpija-domzale-celje-587318|title=Riera žari od sreče, zgodovina opozarja Olimpijo|trans-title=Riera glows with happiness, history warns Olimpija|publisher=Siol|first=Rok|last=Plestenjak|language=sl|date=5 September 2022|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref>

Riera eventually led Olimpija to the national championship, clinching their first title since 2018 after defeating [[Eternal derby of Slovenian football (2007)|archrivals]] [[NK Maribor|Maribor]] 2–0 with five rounds to go.<ref name=RTV>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/najslajsa-zmaga-za-novo-olimpijino-zvezdico/665008|title=Najslajša zmaga za novo Olimpijino zvezdico|trans-title=The sweetest victory for another Olimpija title|publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija|language=sl|date=16 April 2023|access-date=16 April 2023}}</ref> He completed the [[Double (association football)|double]] after [[2022–23 Slovenian Football Cup#Final|defeating Maribor]] in the [[Slovenian Cup]] with a 130th-minute [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]] by [[Timi Max Elšnik]].<ref name=CUP>{{cite web|url=https://sportklub.n1info.si/nogomet/olimpija-po-drami-v-130-minuti-do-dvojne-krone-zanimiv-niz-maribora-je-koncan/|title=Olimpija po drami v 130. minuti do dvojne krone, zanimiv niz Maribora je končan|trans-title=130-minute drama for Olimpija's double crown, Maribor's interesting run is over|publisher=Sportklub|first=Rok|last=Viškovič|language=sl|date=6 May 2023|access-date=7 May 2023}}</ref> For his achievements, he was named [[Slovenian PrvaLiga#Manager awards|Manager of the Year]]; however, at the ceremony, he announced that he had not been offered a new deal and would leave after his contract expired at the end of May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/riera-potrdil-da-zapusca-olimpijo-delius-bo-spregovoril-v-ponedeljek/668257|title=Riera potrdil, da zapušča Olimpijo; Delius bo spregovoril v ponedeljek|trans-title=Riera confirmed that he is leaving Olimpia; Delius will speak on Monday|publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija|language=sl|date=15 May 2023|access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/POTRJENO-Albert-Riera-in-Olimpija-se-razhajata-v-klubu-trdijo-da-Spanec-pod-enakimi-pogoji-ni-zelel-nadaljevati|title=Potrjeno: Albert Riera in Olimpija se razhajata, v klubu trdijo, da Španec pod enakimi pogoji ni želel nadaljevati|trans-title=Confirmed: Albert Riera and Olimpija part ways, the club claims that the Spaniard did not want to continue under the same conditions|publisher=Nogomania|language=sl|date=15 May 2023|access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref>

===Celje===
On 20 July 2023, two days before the start of the [[2023–24 Slovenian PrvaLiga|new season]], Riera was officially unveiled as manager of [[NK Celje|Celje]] also in the Slovenian top tier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/celjani-potrdili-prihod-riere-ki-bo-ze-v-petek-dopoldne-vodil-trening/675701|title=Celjani potrdili prihod Riere, ki bo že v petek dopoldne vodil trening|trans-title=Celje confirmed the arrival of Riera, who will lead his first training on Friday morning|publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija|language=sl|date=20 July 2023|access-date=20 July 2023}}</ref> On his debut three days later, his team drew 2–2 at [[NK Aluminij|Aluminij]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.celje.info/sport/albert-riera-svojo-pot-na-celjski-klopi-pricel-z-remijem/|title=Albert Riera svojo pot na celjski klopi pričel z remijem|trans-title=Albert Riera started his journey on the Celje bench with a draw|publisher=Celje.info|first=Simon|last=Valant|language=sl|date=23 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023}}</ref> He left the club, who however topped the table after 11 rounds, on 11 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Celjani-sporocajo-Albert-Riera-je-zdaj-uradno-zapustil-slovenskega-prvoligasa-bodo-kmalu-potrdili-njegovega-naslednika|title=Celjani sporočajo: Albert Riera je zdaj uradno zapustil slovenskega prvoligaša – bodo kmalu potrdili njegovega naslednika?|trans-title=Celje confirmed: Albert Riera has officially left the Slovenian top division side – will his successor be confirmed soon?|publisher=Nogomania|language=sl|date=11 October 2023|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> He totalled 17 matches, notably knocking out Portugal's [[Vitória S.C.|Vitória de Guimarães]] in the [[2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League|second qualifying round]] of the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Riera-je-slikovito-opisal-dojemanje-uspeha-Celja-Ko-sem-prisel-v-garderobo-sem-igralce-vprasal-zakaj-me-gledajo|title=Riera je slikovito opisal dojemanje uspeha Celja: Ko sem prišel v garderobo, sem igralce vprašal, zakaj me gledajo|trans-title=Riera described perception of Celje's success vividly: When I got to the dressing room, I asked the players why were they looking at me|publisher=Nogomania|language=sl|date=4 August 2023|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportklub.n1info.si/nogomet/prva-liga/albert-riera-tudi-uradno-ni-vec-trener-celja/|title=Zaključek celjske sage: Riera uradno bivši, njegov naslednik potrjen|trans-title=Celje saga reaches end: Riera officially gone, his successor confirmed|publisher=Sportklub|language=sl|date=11 October 2023|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref>

===Bordeaux===
A day after leaving Celje, Riera became the new manager of Bordeaux – now in [[Ligue 2]] – returning to the club 18 years after his playing tenure and signing a contract until June 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.girondins.com/fr/news/37681/albert-riera-nouvel-entraineur-des-marine-et-blanc|title=Albert Riera, nouvel entraîneur des Marine et Blanc!|trans-title=Albert Riera, new manager of the Navy and Whites!|publisher=FC Girondins Bordeaux|language=fr|date=12 October 2023|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> His debut on 21 October was a 2–0 loss at [[Angers SCO|Angers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Bordeaux-se-manque-pour-la-premiere-d-albert-riera-angers-nouveau-dauphin/1426746|title=Bordeaux se manque pour la première d'Albert Riera, Angers nouveau dauphin|trans-title=Bordeaux go missing on Albert Riera's debut, Angers new runners-up|newspaper=[[L'Équipe]]|language=fr|date=21 October 2023|access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref>

Riera led his team to a [[2023–24 Ligue 2|12th-place finish]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Albertu-Rieri-se-podirajo-nacrti-o-boju-za-preboj-v-Ligue-1-Bordeaux-je-mocno-zadolzen-Zan-Vipotnik-je-naprodaj|title=Albertu Rieri se podirajo načrti o boju za preboj v Ligue 1! Bordeaux je močno zadolžen, Žan Vipotnik je naprodaj|trans-title=Albert Riera's Ligue 1 promotion plans are falling apart! Bordeaux is heavily in debt, Žan Vipotnik is for sale|publisher=Nogomania|language=sl|date=7 June 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref> However, Bordeaux were administratively relegated to the [[Championnat National]] and declared bankruptcy before the start of the new season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/six-times-french-champion-bordeaux-file-bankruptcy-2024-07-25/|title=Six-times French champion Bordeaux file for bankruptcy|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=26 July 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref>

===Return to Celje===
Riera returned to Celje on 29 July 2024, on a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://planetnogomet.si/novice/albert-riera-prestop-celje-uradno-2026/|title=Nazaj je in to uradno: Albert Riera bo po lanskem oktobru ponovno sedel na celjsko klop, Španec je z grofi sklenil dolgoročno sodelovanje|trans-title=He is officially back: Albert Riera will sit on the Celje bench again after last October, the Spaniard has signed a long-term partnership with "The Counts"|publisher=Planet Nogomet|language=sl|date=29 July 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/albert-riera-uradno-celje-640333|title=Albert Riera se je vrnil v Celje|trans-title=Albert Riera is back in Celje|publisher=Siol|language=sl|date=29 July 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref> Just one day later, he oversaw a 5–0 away defeat against [[SK Slovan Bratislava|Slovan Bratislava]] in the [[2024–25 UEFA Champions League|Champions League second qualifying round]], being eliminated 6–1 on aggregate; this was the club's heaviest defeat in European competitions, and also the manager's joint-heaviest in that role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://planetnogomet.si/novice/celje-slovan-najhujsi-poraz-riera/|title=Celje se je od lige prvakov poslovilo z neslavnim rekordom: Štajerski klub v Evropi še nikdar ni doživel hujšega poraza|trans-title=Celje said goodbye to the Champions League with an infamous record: the Styrian club has never experienced a worse defeat in Europe|publisher=Planet Nogomet|language=sl|date=30 July 2024|access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Albert-Riera-je-izenacil-najvisji-poraz-v-svoji-trenerski-karieri-debakel-v-Bratislavi-pa-bo-imel-vseeno-posebno-mesto|title=Albert Riera je izenačil najvišji poraz v svoji trenerski karieri, debakel v Bratislavi pa bo imel vseeno posebno mesto|trans-title=Albert Riera equaled the highest defeat in his coaching career, but the debacle in Bratislava will still have a special place|publisher=Nogomania|language=sl|date=30 July 2024|access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Riera's younger brother, [[Sito Riera|Sito]], is also a footballer. He too represented Espanyol, but only [[RCD Espanyol B|their reserves]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futbolbalear.es/2010/08/11/sito-riera-me-gustaria-jugar-en-el-mallorca/|title=Sito Riera: "Me gustaría jugar en el Mallorca"|trans-title=Sito Riera: "I would like to play with Mallorca"|publisher=Fútbol Balear|language=es|date=11 August 2010|access-date=28 January 2014}}</ref>

In 2009, Riera married Julia Koroleva, fathering three children with his Russian bride.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bk55.ru/news/article/128845/|title=Испанский футболист Риера ради жены из Омска получает гражданство РФ|trans-title=Spanish footballer Riera receives Russian citizenship for the sake of his wife from Tomsk|publisher=BK 55|language=ru|date=20 June 2018|access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref> He moved to [[Omsk]] in [[Siberia]], where he set up a football academy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodemallorca.es/deportes/2020/03/19/vida-albert-riera-siberia-2794526.html|title=La vida de Albert Riera en Siberia|trans-title=Albert Riera's life in Siberia|newspaper=Diario de Mallorca|first=Ignacio|last=Ortega|language=es|date=19 March 2020|access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{WorldFootball.net|albert-riera_2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=11729&cc=5739|title=Alberto Riera|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=15 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324184201/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=11729&cc=5739|archive-date=24 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=30&kisiId=1432237|title=Albert Riera Ortega|publisher=[[Turkish Football Federation]]|access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="2"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[RCD Mallorca B|Mallorca B]]
|[[1999–2000 Segunda División B|1999–2000]]
|7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
|[[2000–01 Segunda División B|2000–01]]
|31||6||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||6
|-
|[[2001–02 Segunda División B|2001–02]]
|16||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||5
|-
!Total
!54!!12!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!54!!12
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]]
|[[2000–01 La Liga|2000–01]]
|3||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||1
|-
|[[2001–02 La Liga|2001–02]]
|8||1||3||1||colspan="2"|—||3||0||14||2
|-
|[[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03]]
|35||4||8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||43||4
|-
!Total
!46!!6!!11!!1!!0!!0!!3!!0!!60!!7
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]
|[[2003–04 Ligue 1|2003–04]]
|32||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||10||5||44||7
|-
|[[2004–05 Ligue 1|2004–05]]
|21||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||2
|-
!Total
!53!!4!!4!!0!!0!!0!!10!!5!!67!!9
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
|[[2005–06 La Liga|2005–06]]
|8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0||11||0
|-
|[[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]]
|28||4||1||0||2||0||13||4||44||8
|-
|[[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]]
|36||4||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||39||4
|-
!Total
!72!!8!!4!!0!!2!!0!!16!!4!!94!!12
|-
|[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] (loan)
|[[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06]]
|15||1||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||19||1
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
|[[2008–09 Premier League|2008–09]]
|28||3||3||1||colspan="2"|—||9||1||40||5
|-
|[[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10]]
|12||0||0||0||1||0||3||0||16||0
|-
!Total
!40!!3!!3!!1!!1!!0!!12!!1!!56!!5
|-
|[[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]]
|[[2010–11 Super League Greece|2010–11]]
|26||6||2||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||28||6
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|[[2011–12 Süper Lig|2011–12]]
|30||1||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||32||1
|-
|[[2012–13 Süper Lig|2012–13]]
|26||2||0||0||0||0||9||0||35||2
|-
|[[2013–14 Süper Lig|2013–14]]
|4||0||4||1||0||0||5||0||13||1
|-
!Total
!60!!3!!6!!1!!0!!0!!14!!0!!80!!4
|-
|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|[[2013–14 Football League Championship|2013–14]]
|8||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||1
|-
|[[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]]
|[[2014–15 Serie A|2014–15]]
|0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
|[[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]]
|[[2014–15 Segunda División|2014–15]]
|6||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|[[NK Zavrč|Zavrč]]
|[[2015–16 Slovenian PrvaLiga|2015–16]]
|12||1||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||2
|-
|[[FC Koper|Koper]]
|[[2015–16 Slovenian PrvaLiga|2015–16]]
|1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Career total!!393!!45!!36!!4!!3!!0!!55!!10!!487!!59
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=25657|title=Albert Riera|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=6 November 2015}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Spain national football team|Spain]]
|2007||3||1
|-
|2008||4||0
|-
|2009||9||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!16!!4
|}

:''Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Riera goal.''<ref name=EU/>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Albert Riera
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align=center|1 || 13 October 2007 || [[Atletion|NRGi Park]], [[Aarhus]], Denmark || {{fb|DEN}} || 3–1 || 3–1 || [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group F|Euro 2008 qualifying]]
|-
| align=center|2 || 1 April 2009 || [[Ali Sami Yen Stadium|Ali Sami Yen]], [[Istanbul]], Turkey || {{fb|TUR}} || 2–1 || 2–1 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5|2010 World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align=center|3 || 9 June 2009 || [[Tofiq Bahramov Stadium|Tofiq Bahramov]], [[Baku]], Azerbaijan || {{fb|AZE}} || 4–0 || 6–0 || [[Exhibition game#Association football|Friendly]]
|-
| align=center|4 || 12 August 2009 || [[Philip II Arena]], [[Skopje]], Macedonia || {{fb|MKD|name=Macedonia}} || 3–2 || 3–2 || Friendly
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|25 May 2025}}<ref name=SW>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/albert-riera-ortega/3647/|title=Spain – Riera – Profile with news, career statistics and history|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="8"|Record
|-
!{{Tooltip|P|Matches played}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Matches won}}
!{{Tooltip|D|Matches drawn}}
!{{Tooltip|L|Matches lost}}
!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[NK Olimpija Ljubljana|Olimpija Ljubljana]]
|align=left|4 July 2022
|align=left|31 May 2023
{{WDL|46|30|6|10}}
|-
|align=left|[[NK Celje|Celje]]
|align=left|20 July 2023
|align=left|11 October 2023
{{WDL|17|11|3|3}}
|-
|align=left|[[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]
|align=left|12 October 2023
|align=left|29 July 2024
{{WDL|32|12|8|12}}
|-
|align=left|Celje
|align=left|29 July 2024
|align=left|present
{{WDL|58|28|13|17}}
|-
! colspan="3"| Total
{{WDLtot|153|81|30|42}}
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Mallorca'''
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[2002–03 Copa del Rey|2002–03]]<ref name=COPA/>

'''Espanyol'''
*[[UEFA Cup]] runner-up: [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|2006–07]]<ref name=UEFA/>

'''Olympiacos'''
*[[Super League Greece]]: [[2010–11 Super League Greece|2010–11]]<ref name=SLG/>

'''Galatasaray'''
*[[Süper Lig]]: [[2011–12 Süper Lig|2011–12]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2012/05/12/actualidad/1336847770_786081.html|title=El Galatasaray, campeón de la liga turca|trans-title=Galatasaray, Turkish league champions|newspaper=El País|language=es|date=12 May 2012|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref> [[2012–13 Süper Lig|2012–13]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[Turkish Super Cup]]: [[2012 Turkish Super Cup|2012]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/futbol/20004.aspx|title=Galatasaray: 3 – Fenerbahçe: 2|newspaper=[[Türkiye (newspaper)|Türkiye]]|language=tr|date=12 August 2012|access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref>

'''Spain'''
*[[FIFA Confederations Cup]] third place: [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup|2009]]<ref name=FCC/>

===Manager===
'''Olimpija Ljubljana'''
*[[Slovenian PrvaLiga]]: [[2022–23 Slovenian PrvaLiga|2022–23]]<ref name=RTV/>
*[[Slovenian Football Cup|Slovenian Cup]]: [[2022–23 Slovenian Football Cup|2022–23]]<ref name=CUP/>

'''Celje'''
*Slovenian Cup: [[2024–25 Slovenian Football Cup|2024–25]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Štajerci svet zase za nemočne Primorce: Celje vklopilo turbo pogon, razbilo Koper in na veličasten način s 4:0 osvojilo pokalno lovoriko |url=https://planetnogomet.si/novice/celje-izjemna-zmaga-finale-pokal-koper/ |website=Planet Nogomet |access-date=14 May 2025 |language=sl-SI |date=14 May 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{BDFutbol}}
*{{Lequipe}}
*{{Soccerbase}}
*[http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=1201 Liverpool historic profile]
*{{NFT player}}
*{{FIFA player}}
*{{UEFA player}}<!--uses Wikidata-->

{{Spain squad 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{NK Celje squad}}
{{NK Olimpija Ljubljana managers}}
{{FC Girondins de Bordeaux managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Riera, Albert}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Spanish emigrants]]
[[Category:Immigrants to Russia]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Manacor]]
[[Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen]]
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[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
[[Category:Men's association football utility players]]
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[[Category:Galatasaray S.K. (football) non-playing staff]]