Rio Ferdinand has been a staple on the punditry scene for over 10 years the UK, yet the ex-Manchester United star could be about to leave our shores for a new venture
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on February 1, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdiand may have had his head turned by opportunities in the United States
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is one of the UK's leading pundits, yet could be heading to the United States for his next venture.
Since 2013, Ferdinand has been a regular fixture on our televisions with BT Sport, now TNT Sports, providing analysis for the network's Premier League and Champions League coverage. He joined the BBC in 2014 for World Cup coverage and has worked on their last four major tournaments.
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This followed an incredibly successful playing career with United and England. During his 12-year stay at Old Trafford, Ferdinand, now 46, amassed a host of accolades.
This include six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. As his TNT contract approaches its end, we delve into what might be next for Ferdinand.
Media career
There are currently uncertainties surrounding Ferdinand's status with TNT, amid reports that he will move on when his contract expires at the end of the season. According to the Daily Mail, Ferdinand's management company has partnered with William Morris Endeavor, an American talent agency.
The focus is said to be on securing opportunities for Ferdinand in the United States – and it's worth considering the next World Cup will be hosted by North America, Canada and Mexico. He may also be weighing up a transition to a US broadcaster, although Ferdinand himself has not commented on the reports.
TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand looks on before a game
Rio Ferdinand has been with TNT Sports for ten years(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)
Ferdinand is said to have signed a deal with the high-profile agency WME, joining the likes of Hollywood A-lister and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds.
The move could stir differing reactions among fans; while some may be surprised by his potential exit from punditry, others might welcome a change after expressing dissatisfaction with his on-air style, branding it as too excessive at times.
Notably, Ferdinand raised eyebrows when he emphatically stated "Man United are back" following the club's win over PSG in 2019. His repeated and animated calls for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior to get the Ballon d'Or in 2024 also saw him come under fire on social media.
Net worth
It's been estimated by The Richest that Ferdinand's personal wealth is a staggering £57million. Money Inc claims that Ferdinand pockets a salary of about £7m each year from this media commitments.
This includes TNT and his popular podcasts, 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' and 'Vibe with Five'. It was also reported that he took home around £6m a year during his time with United, which spanned from 2002–2014.
Personal life
Ferdinand experienced profound loss in 2015 when his first wife, Rebecca Ellison, succumbed to cancer. Tragically left as a single father to three children, Lorenz, Tate, and Tia, Ferdinand paid tribute to his late wife.
Kate and Rio Ferdinand in their lavish home
Kate and Rio Ferdinand in their lavish home(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Kate and Rio Ferdinand's home
Rio and Kate workout in their home gym(Image: Instagram / Kate Ferdinand)
"My soulmate slipped away last night," he said. "Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children."
In a 2017 interview, the former England captain shared his personal struggle with loss: "Rebecca passed away, I have to tell my children in a room next door, then you leave," he said. "Everyone's prepared in life to have babies and to celebrate, but no one's taught how you're meant to deal with loss. It's such a different feeling."
Ferdinand found love again with reality TV star Kate Wright and the pair got married in a glamorous ceremony in Abu Dhabi back in 2019. The couple now has two children, Shea and Cree.
Lavish lifestyle
The Ferdinands are currently enjoying life in a sprawling £4m mansion located in Bromley, London, as reported by OK!. Their luxurious abode features an array of amenities including a swimming pool, gym, and an expansive dressing room.
Ferdinand also previously owned a grand estate in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. His love for luxury vehicles is evident, with the ex-Leeds United defender boasting an impressive car collection that includes an Aston Martin DBS valued at over £225k.
Additionally, he has a Porsche Cayenne, with a price tag exceeding £70k, and a Bentley Continental GT, which is believed to cost upwards of £180k.