Rangers FC leads against Jablonec after Naderi’s opening goal in Conference League play-off

Ryan Naderi scored the opening goal as Rangers FC took on FK Jablonec in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off round at Ibrox Stadium on August 20. The German striker’s finish gave the Glasgow side the early advantage in a tie that will determine which club advances to the league phase of the competition.

For a player who arrived at Ibrox in February for a reported fee of around £4.7 million from Hansa Rostock, the moment was a statement.

Naderi’s path to Ibrox

Born in Dresden on July 10, 2003, Naderi came through the ranks at Dynamo Dresden before stints with Borussia Mönchengladbach and eventually Hansa Rostock. His time at Rostock was where the numbers started turning heads: 13 goals and nine assists across roughly 45 appearances.

Rangers moved for him on February 3, 2026, paying approximately €5.5 million to secure his services on a contract running through June 2029.

His inclusion in the starting XI against Jablonec, alongside the likes of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, right-back Dujon Sterling, and captain John Neil, suggested he has firmly established himself in the manager’s plans.

What’s at stake in the tie

The Conference League play-off round is the last gate before the league phase, which means Rangers are 180 minutes from guaranteed European group-stage football. Rangers navigated earlier qualifying rounds to reach this stage of the 2026/27 campaign.

Rangers’ squad rebuild in focus

The starting lineup against Jablonec also featured Daisuke Yokota and Djeidi Gassama. Naderi’s contract through 2029 gives Rangers time, and at 22, his best years are still ahead of him, which makes his £4.7 million fee look like a reasonable gamble even before you factor in the Conference League goal.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.