Football pundit Rio Ferdinand left his long-time role at TNT Sports at the end of the 2024/25 season, and the former Manchester United defender has already announced his next endeavour
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.
Rio Ferdinand spent 10 years with TNT Sports (Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has already announced his next job after leaving TNT Sports at the end of the recent football season.
The Manchester United icon signed off with TNT Sports at the end of the 2025 Champions League final clash between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain last month, ending his decade-long affiliation with the broadcaster.
But it hasn’t taken long for Ferdinand to embark on his next venture, with the former England centre-back taking to social media to tell his 11.6million X followers about his new role in Thailand.
He said: “Next stop, Bangkok… I’m heading to the EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival Bangkok – where passion, skill, and football culture collide!”
The event is billed as a meeting of “the best FC Mobile competitors from across Asia and the Middle East, global football icons, top influencers,” and will see “passionate fans unite for the EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival, Bangkok – a two-day unmissable event presented by Visa, happening June 14–15 at BCC Hall, Central Ladprao in Bangkok, Thailand.”
Reports claimed Ferdinand had turned down a new contract with TNT Sports, indicating a harmonious parting of ways and that he wasn’t forced out.
Reflecting on his exit, Ferdinand said at the time: “Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success. As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories.
"I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.”
FC Internazionale Milano Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League Final 2025
Rio Ferdinand's last match with TNT Sports was the Champions League final
Away from his work as a pundit, Ferdinand has several business projects, including a YouTube channel boasting 1.32m subscribers. He has also established a clothing line, FIVE, which has a collaboration with retailer Sports Direct.
Elsewhere, his management company, New Era, has formed a partnership with Beverly Hills-based talent agency giants William Morris Endeavor (WME).
Reports have also suggested that Ferdinand could be eyeing a move to Dubai with his wife, Kate, who he met on holiday in 2016.
The couple have reportedly already looked at properties and schools in the United Arab Emirates.
They have two young daughters together, while Rio has three children from his previous marriage.