Ricci Rivero is a Filipino professional basketball player, actor and television personality who rose to fame as one of the most recognizable young stars in Philippine collegiate basketball. Born on May 25, 1998, in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines, his athletic career took him from La Salle Green Hills to De La Salle University and later the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. He eventually entered the Philippine Basketball Association, where he plays for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
Rivero became particularly popular during his UAAP career, where his athleticism, scoring ability and celebrity appeal made him one of the league’s most talked-about players. He won two UAAP championships, one with De La Salle in 2016 and another with UP in 2021. His sophomore season with La Salle also earned him UAAP Mythical Team recognition and the Most Improved Player award.
Beyond basketball, Rivero has built a career in entertainment, appearing in films and television programs including Otlum, Happy Times, Rabid, Day Zero and Gen Z. His personal life has also frequently attracted attention, particularly his past relationships with actress Andrea Brillantes and beauty queen and politician Leren Mae Bautista. In 2026, his relationship with Filipina fencer Juliana Gomez became one of the biggest talking points surrounding his name, with the pair increasingly appearing together and Gomez’s father publicly acknowledging the relationship.
Ricci Rivero Profile Summary
| Profile | Details |
| Full Name | Ricci Paolo Uy Rivero |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player, Actor, Television Personality |
| Basketball Position | Shooting Guard |
| Current Team | Phoenix Fuel Masters |
| Jersey Number | 25 |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| High School | La Salle Green Hills |
| Colleges | De La Salle University, University of the Philippines |
| UAAP Championships | 2 |
| PBA Draft | 2023, 17th overall |
| PBA All-Star | 2024 |
| Girlfriend | Juliana Gomez |
| Former Girlfriends | Andrea Brillantes, Leren Mae Bautista |
| Parents | Ruzcko Rivero and Abigail Uy-Rivero |
| Brothers | Prince Rivero and Rasheed Rivero |
| Religion | Not reliably documented |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
Ricci Rivero Early Life
Ricci Paolo Uy Rivero was born on May 25, 1998, in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. He was raised by his parents, Ruzcko Rivero and Abigail Uy-Rivero, and grew up in a family with strong sporting connections. His brothers, including Prince and Rasheed Rivero, also pursued basketball, making the sport an important part of the Rivero family’s identity. Rivero is also of Chinese descent through his mother’s side.
Rivero eventually moved to Manila to continue his education and basketball development. He attended La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong, where he emerged as one of the school’s most promising basketball players. During his final year of high school, he averaged 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.9 blocks per game during the elimination round, showing the all-around ability that would later make him a highly regarded UAAP prospect.
His performances at La Salle Green Hills attracted attention from major Philippine basketball programs, eventually leading him to De La Salle University in 2016. Rivero’s combination of scoring, athleticism and physical play quickly made him a recognizable young basketball star. His popularity also extended beyond the court, eventually creating opportunities in endorsements, television and film.
Ricci Rivero Education
Ricci Rivero attended La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong for his secondary education. The school played a major role in his development as a basketball player, and his outstanding statistics during his final high-school season established him as one of the country’s promising young players.
In 2016, Rivero entered De La Salle University and joined the Green Archers. He studied while competing at the highest level of Philippine collegiate basketball. During his time at La Salle, he became known not only for his basketball ability but also for his growing popularity as a young athlete and endorser.
After leaving La Salle, Rivero transferred to the University of the Philippines. His transfer was announced in May 2018, although he had to sit out UAAP Season 81 because of eligibility rules. He eventually suited up for UP and continued his collegiate career as a member of the Fighting Maroons.
Ricci Rivero Career
High School Basketball
Rivero began attracting significant attention during his time with La Salle Green Hills. His final high-school season was particularly impressive, as he produced outstanding numbers across scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks. His performances made him one of the most highly followed young basketball players in the Philippines.
His popularity was not limited to basketball fans. He became a social-media sensation during his teenage years and was reportedly the most tweeted-about Filipino athlete in 2017. His combination of athletic ability, appearance and media presence helped him develop a large following even before entering professional basketball.
De La Salle Green Archers
Rivero joined the De La Salle Green Archers in 2016. His rookie season ended with La Salle winning the UAAP championship, giving him a championship medal early in his collegiate career.
His sophomore season was even more significant individually. Rivero averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game and helped La Salle reach the UAAP Finals. His performances earned him a place on the UAAP Mythical Team and the Most Improved Player award.
However, his time with La Salle eventually came to an end. In early 2018, Rivero was removed from the team’s lineup along with his older brother Prince. La Salle said the issue involved endorsement activities that conflicted with team rules. Rivero later announced that he was leaving the Green Archers.
University of the Philippines
In May 2018, Rivero announced that he would transfer to the University of the Philippines. Because of UAAP eligibility rules, he redshirted Season 81 before becoming eligible to play for the Fighting Maroons.
Rivero eventually became an important member of UP’s basketball program. His transfer generated considerable attention because he was already one of the most recognizable players in Philippine collegiate basketball. At UP, he joined a team that was developing into one of the country’s strongest collegiate programs.
The highlight of his UP career came in UAAP Season 84, when the Fighting Maroons won the championship. The title gave Rivero his second UAAP championship, following the one he won with La Salle in 2016.
Philippine Basketball Association
After completing his collegiate career, Rivero entered the professional ranks. He was selected by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the second round of the 2023 PBA Draft as the 17th overall pick. He subsequently began his professional career with the Phoenix organization and has worn jersey number 25.
Rivero’s transition to professional basketball represented another stage in a career that had already included championships, individual UAAP honors and international basketball opportunities. His professional career has also kept him in the public eye because of his popularity outside basketball.
In 2024, he was selected as a PBA All-Star, adding another major distinction to his basketball résumé.
International and National Team Basketball
Rivero has also represented the Philippines in international basketball competitions. He participated in the 2015 U18 3×3 World Championship and the 2018 U23 3×3 World Cup. He was also part of the Philippine team for the 2019 3×3 Asia Cup before an ankle injury ended his participation in the tournament.
His performances also brought him into the wider Gilas Pilipinas setup. In 2018, after leaving La Salle, he stated that he wanted to focus on Gilas Pilipinas, and he later practiced with the senior national team during the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Acting and Television Career
Basketball has not been Rivero’s only career. In 2018, he made his acting debut in Otlum, a Philippine horror film that was part of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. Rivero played the character Dindo alongside actors including John Estrada, Buboy Villar and Jerome Ponce.
He later appeared in Happy Times, Rabid and Day Zero. His television work included the series Gen Z, in which he played Migo. He also became a host on TV5’s Sunday Noontime Live! before eventually taking a break from acting to concentrate on his studies and basketball.
Rivero has therefore developed a dual public identity. While basketball remains his primary professional career, his appearance in films, television and advertising has made him part of the Philippine entertainment industry as well.
Endorsements and Public Image
Rivero became a major commercial figure during his collegiate years. His popularity resulted in endorsement opportunities with brands including Honda, Globe, Gatorade and Nike. In 2021, he was also featured in a Pepsi advertisement displayed in Times Square in New York City.
His crossover appeal comes from the combination of basketball, entertainment and social-media popularity. This has helped Rivero maintain a public profile beyond his statistical performance on the basketball court.
Ricci Rivero Trending: Why Is Ricci Rivero Famous?
Ricci Rivero is trending in September 2026 largely because of his relationship with Juliana Gomez, the Filipino national fencer and daughter of actor and politician Richard Gomez and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. Their relationship attracted attention after the pair were repeatedly spotted together, including holding hands in public and spending time with the Gomez family.
The relationship became even more prominent in 2026. In July, Richard Gomez publicly said that he had no problem with his daughter dating Rivero, explaining that Juliana is an adult and that his main concern is seeing her happy.
By September 2026, Philippine entertainment media were describing the relationship as increasingly serious. Rivero’s parents were reportedly present at Juliana’s 26th birthday celebration, where the couple were seen being affectionate and both families appeared to be close.
Ricci Rivero Personal Life
Ricci Rivero has had several high-profile relationships that have attracted significant attention in the Philippine entertainment media. He previously dated actress Andrea Brillantes, with their relationship becoming official in April 2022. The relationship lasted a little over a year before the pair separated.
In October 2023, Rivero confirmed that he was in a relationship with beauty queen and politician Leren Mae Bautista. That relationship also eventually ended. Rivero later became linked to Juliana Gomez, with their relationship developing publicly through appearances at basketball games, fencing events and family gatherings.
Rivero’s relationship with Juliana Gomez has become increasingly public in 2026. He supported her during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, while she later watched one of his PBA games. They have subsequently been photographed together with members of Gomez’s family, and reports in September 2026 said Rivero’s parents were also present at Juliana’s birthday celebration.
Ricci Rivero Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Ricci Rivero was born on May 25, 1998, making him 28 years old in September 2026. He was born in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines, and is Filipino by nationality. His maternal family background includes Chinese ancestry.
Rivero’s religion has not been reliably established through strong public sources, so a specific religious affiliation should not be confidently attributed to him. His public identity is primarily associated with basketball, entertainment and his family life.
Rivero is listed at 6 feet 1 inch, or approximately 1.85 meters, and around 146 pounds. His athletic build and speed have been important elements of his basketball career, particularly his ability to play as a guard and contribute on both ends of the court.
Ricci Rivero Net Worth
Ricci Rivero’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified through reliable financial sources. As a professional PBA player, actor, television personality and brand endorser, he has multiple potential sources of income, but there is insufficient public information to establish a precise figure.
His professional basketball salary represents one source of income, while his entertainment appearances and endorsement deals provide additional earning opportunities. Rivero has previously worked with major brands including Nike, Gatorade, Globe, Honda and Pepsi, demonstrating the commercial value of his public profile.
For that reason, it is more accurate to describe Ricci Rivero’s net worth as undisclosed rather than attaching an unsupported dollar or peso figure to his name. His growing professional career, entertainment work and endorsement history indicate substantial earning potential, but his actual personal wealth is not publicly documented.
Ricci Rivero Legacy
Ricci Rivero’s basketball legacy is built primarily around his success in the UAAP. Winning championships with two different major universities, De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines, placed him among the notable players of his generation. His UAAP Mythical Team selection and Most Improved Player award further established his reputation as an elite collegiate player.
His career is also notable because of his ability to move between sports and entertainment. Unlike many basketball players who remain known almost exclusively for their performances on the court, Rivero successfully entered film and television while maintaining his basketball career. His work in Otlum, Happy Times, Rabid, Day Zero and Gen Z helped establish him as a recognizable entertainment personality.
Rivero’s continued popularity demonstrates the changing nature of Philippine sports celebrity. His basketball achievements, acting career, endorsements and highly followed personal life have combined to make him one of the country’s most recognizable young sports personalities.
Conclusion
Ricci Rivero has built a multifaceted career that extends from Philippine collegiate basketball to the PBA, acting, television and commercial endorsements. From winning UAAP championships with both La Salle and UP to becoming a PBA All-Star and appearing in films and television programs, he has remained in the public eye for more than a decade. In 2026, his relationship with Juliana Gomez has added another major chapter to his public profile, particularly after her father Richard Gomez publicly acknowledged their relationship and both families were increasingly seen together. Rivero’s combination of athletic achievement, entertainment work and celebrity appeal has made him one of the more recognizable basketball personalities in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricci Rivero
Who is Ricci Rivero?
Ricci Rivero is a Filipino professional basketball player, actor and television personality who plays for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association.
How old is Ricci Rivero?
Ricci Rivero was born on May 25, 1998. He is 28 years old as of September 2026.
Who is Ricci Rivero’s girlfriend?
Ricci Rivero is in a relationship with Filipina fencer Juliana Gomez. Their relationship became increasingly public during 2026, and Juliana’s father, Richard Gomez, publicly acknowledged that the two were dating.
Who is Ricci Rivero’s ex-girlfriend?
Ricci Rivero has previously dated actress Andrea Brillantes and beauty queen and politician Leren Mae Bautista.
Who are Ricci Rivero’s parents?
Ricci Rivero’s parents are Ruzcko Rivero and Abigail Uy-Rivero.
Where did Ricci Rivero go to college?
Ricci Rivero attended De La Salle University before transferring to the University of the Philippines. He played for both the De La Salle Green Archers and UP Fighting Maroons.
What basketball team does Ricci Rivero play for?
Ricci Rivero plays for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was selected 17th overall in the second round of the 2023 PBA Draft.
How tall is Ricci Rivero?
Ricci Rivero is listed at 6 feet 1 inch, or approximately 1.85 meters.
Has Ricci Rivero won a UAAP championship?
Yes. Ricci Rivero won two UAAP championships, one with De La Salle in 2016 and another with the University of the Philippines in 2021.
Is Ricci Rivero an actor?
Yes. Rivero made his film debut in the 2018 horror film Otlum. He later appeared in projects including Happy Times, Rabid and Day Zero, as well as the television series Gen Z.
What is Ricci Rivero’s net worth?
Ricci Rivero’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. His income comes from professional basketball, acting, television appearances and brand endorsements, but no reliable source establishes his total personal wealth.