Jump to content

Rio Ferdinand

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"2Sides" redirects here. For the album, see 2Sides (Side 1).

Rio Ferdinand
OBE
Ferdinand in 2015
Personal information
Full name Rio Gavin Ferdinand[1]
Date of birth (1978-11-07) 7 November 1978 (age 45)[2]
Place of birth Camberwell, England
Height 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[3]
Position(s) Centre-back
Youth career
1992–1995 West Ham United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995–2000 West Ham United 127 (2)
1996–1997 → AFC Bournemouth (loan) 10 (0)
2000–2002 Leeds United 54 (2)
2002–2014 Manchester United 312 (7)
2014–2015 Queens Park Rangers 11 (0)
Total 514 (11)
International career
1996–1997 England U18 7 (0)
1997–2000 England U21 5 (0)
1997–2011 England 81 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Rio Gavin Ferdinand OBE (born 7 November 1978) is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back, and is now a television pundit for TNT Sports. He played 81 times for the England national team between 1997 and 2011, and was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads.[4] He is one of the most decorated English footballers of all time, regarded by many as one of England's greatest ever players.[5][6][7]

Ferdinand began his football career playing for various youth teams, finally settling at West Ham United where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his professional Premier League debut in 1996. He became a fan favourite, winning the Hammer of the Year award the following season. He earned his first senior international cap in a match against Cameroon in 1997, setting a record as the youngest defender to play for England at the time. His achievements and footballing potential attracted Leeds United and he transferred to the club for a record-breaking fee of £18 million. He spent two seasons at the club, becoming the team captain in 2001, before he joined Manchester United in July 2002 for around £30 million, breaking the transfer fee record once more.

At Manchester United, he won the Premier League, his first major club honour, in a successful first season at the club. In September 2003, he missed a drugs test and was banned from football for eight months from January until September 2004, causing him to miss half a Premier League season, Manchester United's FA Cup triumph, and the Euro 2004 international competition. Upon his return, he established himself in the Manchester United first team and received plaudits for his performances, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year four times in five years. More club success followed with another Premier League win in the 2006–07 season and a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double the following year. His career at United, in which he won six Premier League titles and 14 trophies,[8] ended when his contract expired in 2014, and he subsequently joined Queens Park Rangers where he played for just one season before being released from the club as a result of their relegation from the Premier League. He announced his retirement from professional football on 30 May 2015.

In September 2017, Ferdinand announced his intention to become a professional boxer, partly to help him cope with the death of his wife.[9] His brother, Anton, also a centre-back, last played for St Mirren. Former England international striker Les Ferdinand and former Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Kane Ferdinand are his cousins.

Early life

Formative years and education

Rio Gavin Ferdinand was born on 7 November 1978 at King's College Hospital in Camberwell and grew up in Peckham.[10] He is the son of an Irish mother, Janice Lavender, and an Afro-Saint Lucian father, Julian Ferdinand.[11][12]

Ferdinand grew up in Peckham in a large family, his mother was one of six children and his father arrived in Britain with ten other family members.[13] Both parents worked to support the family, his mother as a child carer and his father as a tailor. His parents never married and they separated when he was 14 years old. His father remained close, moving to a nearby estate, and took the kids to football training and to local parks.[11][14] Ferdinand attended Camelot Primary School.[14][15] At school, he focused on maths and revelled in the opportunity to perform before an audience during a school production of Bugsy Malone.[14]

"I always as a kid wanted to do something different, I'd get bored very easily – even playing football or hanging around with my mates. So travelling away from home, meeting new people. ... I enjoyed it."[14]

He chose to attend Blackheath Bluecoat School to make new friends and settled in well, feeling his confidence growing.[11] His second year was marred by the death of a fellow pupil, Stephen Lawrence, and the event demonstrated the ever-present threat of violence.[15] Ferdinand enjoyed physical expression, taking part in not just football and gymnastics classes but drama, theatre and ballet too.[14] He was an able child: he represented Southwark in gymnastics at the London Youth Games,[16] by age 10 he had been invited to train at the Queens Park Rangers academy, and at age 11 he won a scholarship to attend the Central School of Ballet in London.[11] Ferdinand attended the ballet classes, travelling to the city centre four days a week for four years.[14]

Youth-team career

Ferdinand's superior footballing abilities were evident even as a child: when he was 11 years old a youth coach, David Goodwin, remarked "I'm going to call you Pelé, son, I like the way you play."[14] Ferdinand was regularly playing in youth teams and at Eltham Town he played as an attacking midfielder but team scouts saw the young player had the physical potential to be a centre-back instead. Teams vied for the young footballer's services and during his youth he trained with Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Millwall and Queens Park Rangers. Ferdinand was ever curious of different places and even travelled north to Middlesbrough's training ground, spending a good part of his school holidays in a bedsit just to be there.[14]

London team West Ham United was to be his footballing home, however, and he joined their youth system in 1992.[11] He signed his first Youth Training Scheme contract in January 1994 and played alongside players such as Frank Lampard at the academy.[14][17] Success pending at club level, international football also began for Ferdinand; at 16 he joined the England youth-team squad to compete in their age group's UEFA European Championship, gaining his first experience of international competition.[14]

Club career

West Ham United

Rio and Anton Ferdinand playing in Tony Carr's testimonial match in 2010.

Originally scouted by Frank Lampard, Ferdinand progressed through the youth-team ranks, earning a professional contract and a place in the first-team squad in the process.[14] On 5 May 1996, he made his senior team debut, as he came on as a substitute for Tony Cottee in the Hammers' last game of the season, a 1–1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday.[14][18] On 1 February 1997, Ferdinand scored his first goal for West Ham, in his sixth appearance for the club, scoring in a 2–1 loss against Blackburn Rovers. In doing so, Ferndinand became the youngest player, aged 18 and 86 days, to score for West Ham in the Premier League.[19] During the summer of 1997, Manchester United made enquires about Ferdinand before they turned to Henning Berg after West Ham rejected any sale.[20]

During the 1997–98 season, Ferdinand won the Hammer of the Year award at the young age of 19.[21]

AFC Bournemouth (loan)

In November 1996, Ferdinand joined AFC Bournemouth on loan. He made his debut on 9 November in a 1–1 away draw against Blackpool. He played 10 games for Bournemouth before returning to West Ham in January 1997.[22]

Leeds United

Ferdinand joined Premier League club Leeds United in November 2000 for £18 million, then a British transfer record as well as becoming the world's most expensive defender.[21] Despite an uncomfortable start to his career at Elland Road, beginning with a 3–1 defeat at Leicester City on his debut,[23] Ferdinand settled well and became an integral part of the Leeds team that reached the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League, scoring with a header in the quarter-final against Spain's Deportivo La Coruña.[24] Other highlights during his spell in Yorkshire included goals against Liverpool at Anfield[25] and a scoring return to Upton Park.[26]

The following season, in August 2001, he became the club captain after replacing Lucas Radebe and turned in an impressive second campaign, despite Leeds' failure to break into the top three and secure qualification for the competition they had figured in so prominently during the previous season. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, rumours began circulating that the club were in dire financial trouble and that new manager Terry Venables would be forced to part with his star defender for a substantial amount of cash. Later that summer after Ferdinand's impressive World Cup for England, Leeds accepted a bid of £29.3 million with possible performance related add-ons up to £33.3 million due to their perilous financial position.[27] Years later, Rio admitted he sat in the office of Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale for almost six hours to force the transfer through.[28]

Manchester United

2002–2007

Ferdinand for Manchester United in 2008

On 22 July 2002, Ferdinand joined fellow Premier League side Manchester United on a five-year deal to become the most expensive British footballer in history at the time and the world's most expensive defender for a second time, a title he had lost in 2001 to Lilian Thuram. Ferdinand went on to win the Premier League title with Manchester United in his first season at the club. He collected a winner's medal in the 2006 League Cup, with runners-up medals in the 2003 League Cup and the 2005 FA Cup.[29]

In September 2003, he failed to attend a drug test scheduled to take place at United's Carrington training ground.[30] Ferdinand had left after training to go shopping, only to remember and attempt to return, only to be told it was too late.[31] He later undertook the test and passed,[32] and also later offered to have a hair follicle test,[33] but the FA turned down the offer.[34] The Football Association (FA) Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Barry Bright, imposed an eight-month ban from January 2004 at club and international level and a £50,000 fine, meaning he would miss the rest of the season and some of the next along with all of Euro 2004.[35] United appealed against the verdict and sought to draw parallels to the case of Manchester City player Christian Negouai, who was fined £2,000 for missing a test.[36] In the end, the original verdict was upheld.[37] In September, it was announced that he would make his return against Liverpool;[38] Alex Ferguson praised his "assuredness and composure" as United won the match 2–1.[39]

In a fixture against Charlton Athletic in May 2005, United supporters booed Ferdinand amidst his refusal to sign a new contract.[40][41] Ferdinand still hadn't signed a new contract in July and faced pressure from Ferguson to sign it,[42] taking away his position as vice-captain.[43] Ferdinand was booed during several pre-season friendlies in July and August,[44][45] before finally signing a new four-year contract.[46] Ferdinand later reflected on the saga, saying how he used it as motivation to change the views of United's supporters from negative to positive.[47]

On 14 December, in a game against Wigan Athletic, Ferdinand scored his first goal for United, en route to a 4–0 victory.[48] He followed this later in the month with a powerfully headed goal against West Bromwich Albion.[49] On 22 January 2006, Ferdinand scored a last minute winner against Liverpool at Old Trafford.[50] In the corresponding fixture in the following season on 22 October, Ferdinand scored again in a 2–0 victory.[51]

Following impressive and consistent performances in the league, Rio Ferdinand was named in the 2006–07 PFA Premiership Team of the Season, alongside seven of his Manchester United teammates.[52]

2007–2014

Ferdinand with Olof Mellberg in a match against Juventus in 2008

Ferdinand started the 2007–08 season well, he was part of a United defence that managed to keep six clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, before conceding an early goal to Aston Villa at Villa Park on 20 October 2007.[53] It was also during this game where Ferdinand scored his first goal of the season, which was United's third goal of that game, with a left foot strike which took a very strong deflection off one of Villa's defenders. Just three days later, Ferdinand scored his first European goal for United by opening the scoring against Dynamo Kyiv, with a superb header. United dominated the game and won 4–2.[54]

On 12 January 2008, Ferdinand bagged a rare Premier League goal in a 6–0 hammering of Newcastle United at Old Trafford. In their FA Cup quarter-final match against Portsmouth on 8 March 2008 when Manchester United dominated, Ferdinand made a rare appearance as a goalkeeper, after Edwin van der Sar left the pitch with a groin injury and the replacement keeper, Tomasz Kuszczak, was sent off after conceding a penalty. Despite diving the right way, he was unable to save Sulley Muntari's spot kick, and Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup.[55] On 6 April 2008, against Middlesbrough, Ferdinand limped out of the match due to a foot injury. He was rated doubtful whether he would face A.S. Roma in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg on 9 April 2008. He would play the full 90 minutes, though he received three stitches at half-time.[56]

After United's 2–1 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League in April 2008, Ferdinand swore at Chelsea stewards and tried to kick a wall in the tunnel, but instead kicked a female steward, Tracy Wray. Ferdinand claimed to have merely brushed her with his foot.[57] He said he had apologised and sent the steward some flowers. However, Wray showed the bruise on her leg to the media, and her husband claimed that Ferdinand had not apologised or sent flowers.[58]

Ferdinand as captain during the 2008–09 Champions League semi-final.

It was announced on 18 April 2008 that, along with Michael Carrick and Wes Brown, Ferdinand had agreed to sign a new five-year contract, worth around £130,000 a week, that would keep him with United until 2013.[59] On 21 May 2008, Ferdinand captained Manchester United to a Champions League Final victory versus Chelsea.[60] He accepted the trophy together with Ryan Giggs, as Giggs was the on field captain for most of the matches during that season during Gary Neville's absence due to injury.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live he criticised FIFA's approach to tackling racism in football, stating that not enough was being done to punish those guilty of homophobic or racist abuse at matches. Regarding taunts aimed at Emile Heskey in England's 4–1 victory against Croatia in Zagreb, Ferdinand remarked:

"Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What's that going to do? That is not going to stop people shouting racist or homophobic abuse...If things like this keep happening you have to take points off them. Then the punters will realise the team is going to be punished."[61]

Ferdinand had an injury plagued 2009–10 season, a number of back and knee injuries kept him on the sidelines for months. He returned to action on 28 January 2010, but was banned for four games after being found guilty of violent conduct for elbowing Hull City's Craig Fagan.[62][63]

Due to a knee injury he suffered in the summer of 2010, which ruled him out of the World Cup for England, he missed all of pre-season, the Community Shield and the first four games of the 2010–11 Premier League season. He returned to first-team football in the opening game of the Champions League group stage against Rangers on 14 September. He captained the side and played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw. He started the season opening game in August 2011, the 2011 FA Community Shield, where United found themselves 2–0 down at half time to city rivals Manchester City. Ferdinand was taken off after 45 minutes along with defensive partner Nemanja Vidić and replaced by Jonny Evans and Phil Jones respectively. United went on to win the game 3–2 and Ferdinand claimed his fourth Community Shield medal of his career. Ferdinand started in the opening Premier League match of the season at West Bromwich Albion, a game United won 2–1, but he went off with a hamstring injury after 75 minutes. After the match, Alex Ferguson confirmed that Ferdinand would be out for six weeks. Ferdinand however recovered much quicker than initially diagnosed and returned to take a place on the bench two weeks later at Old Trafford in United's 8–2 demolition of Arsenal, although he did not play a part in the game.[64] Ferdinand made his return to competitive action in a 1–1 draw against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Ferdinand with Queens Park Rangers, October 2014

On 9 December 2012, Ferdinand was struck and injured by a coin thrown from the home crowd during United's 3–2 derby victory away from home against Manchester City.[65]

On 5 March 2013, Ferdinand, unhappy with the referee Cüneyt Çakır's decision to send off Nani during a 2–1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at Old Trafford, clapped sarcastically in the referee's face after the game. He escaped any punishment from UEFA for the incident.[66]

On 12 May 2013, Ferdinand scored the winner and final goal of the Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford in a 2–1 victory over Swansea City. After a corner was missed by everyone, the ball found its way to Ferdinand at the back post and he hit it on the volley to seal the win. On 23 May 2013, it was announced that Ferdinand had secured a new one-year contract that would see him stay with the club until the end of the 2013–14 season.[67] He was not offered an extension when that contract expired, and agreed to leave Manchester United on 12 May 2014. In a letter on his official website, he said "I am feeling fit and healthy, ready for a new challenge and looking forward to whatever the future holds for me."[68]

Queens Park Rangers

On 17 July 2014, Ferdinand signed for newly promoted Premier League club Queens Park Rangers on a one-year contract.[69] He returned to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving Manchester United on 14 September 2014 to face his former club in the Premier League in which his side was beaten 4–0.[70]

In October 2014, Ferdinand confirmed in an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show that he would retire at the end of the season, saying "I'm not fearful of retirement, I'm looking forward to it, I can see some good stuff hopefully happening ahead".[71] In May 2015, following their relegation, Queens Park Rangers announced the release of Ferdinand in the summer.[72] He made only 12 appearances for QPR in his only season with the club.[73]

On 30 May 2015, Ferdinand announced his retirement from professional football, three days after his departure from QPR.[74][75]

International career

Ferdinand (wearing No.5) lining up for England against Paraguay at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Ferdinand was capped 81 times for England, making him England's second most capped black player behind Ashley Cole with 107.[76] Although Ferdinand was named in four consecutive England World Cup squads (albeit without playing in 1998 and missing 2010 through injury), he never went to a European Championship due to a ban for missing a drugs test and due to England's failure to qualify for UEFA Euro 2008.

Ferdinand scored three goals for England,[77] the first in the 2002 World Cup second round match against Denmark (although some sources credit this goal as a Thomas Sørensen own goal).[78] The second was a near-post strike that beat the Russian goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev in England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on 12 September 2007 at Wembley Stadium. The third on 11 October 2008 in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at home to Kazakhstan. England won 5–1.[79]

At the age of 19 years and 8 days, Ferdinand earned his first full England cap as a substitute in a friendly against Cameroon on 15 November 1997, making him the youngest defender to play for England at the time (a record broken in 2006 by Micah Richards). Ferdinand would have made an even earlier debut in September had he not been charged with drink-driving in the build-up to England's 1998 World Cup qualifier against Moldova. Ferdinand was named in the squad for this game and was a likely starter; however, the public mourning for Princess Diana – whose chauffeur had been suspected of drink-driving – left Glenn Hoddle with little choice but to drop the teenager from the squad.[80] After an impressive 1997–98 season he was selected for the 1998 FIFA World Cup squad as a back-up defender. However, he was not selected in Kevin Keegan's 22-man squad for UEFA Euro 2000.[81][82]

After his £18 million move to Leeds United, Ferdinand was named in the starting line-up by caretaker manager Peter Taylor in a friendly match against Italy[83] and quickly established himself as a first-choice player under Sven-Göran Eriksson. He was selected as one of England's two first-choice centre-backs at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, wearing the number 5 shirt.

John Terry (with whom Ferdinand would later partner in central defence) replaced Ferdinand in the England side throughout his eight-month ban until his return on 9 October 2004 in their World Cup qualifier against Wales. Ferdinand played ten World Cup finals matches for England, recording clean sheets against Argentina, Nigeria and Denmark in 2002, and Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Ecuador and Portugal in 2006.[84]

Ferdinand on international duty, 2009

On 25 March 2008, it was announced that Ferdinand would wear the captain's armband for Fabio Capello's second game in charge of the national team,[85] ahead of John Terry, Steven Gerrard or David Beckham, who some believed would be named captain to mark his 100th cap for his country. An FA statement suggested that the decision to name Ferdinand as captain was part of Capello's plans of rotating the captaincy before naming an official captain for September's World Cup qualifiers. On 19 August, however, Ferdinand lost out to Terry in retaining the captain's armband but was named vice-captain by Fabio Capello.[86]

A mistake in the match between England and Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk on 10 October 2009, which led to the sending off of Robert Green, caused some to question his inclusion in the squad. A lack of match practice for his club and a series of errors such as he suffered in his early days as a footballer led to criticism of his inclusion from several corners.[87]

On 5 February 2010, Ferdinand replaced John Terry as captain of England.[88]

Although back and groin injury problems forced him to miss much of the 2009–10 domestic season, Ferdinand was selected to captain England at the 2010 World Cup. However, he suffered a knee ligament injury during the team's first training session in South Africa on 4 June and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.[89] On 19 March 2011, ahead of England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, Capello announced that John Terry was to be re-instated as permanent England captain and that Ferdinand would return to his role of vice-captain.[90]

Ferdinand was left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012, leading to strong speculation this was to avoid potential conflict with John Terry, who was included in the squad, due to Terry's upcoming trial for racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton.[91] Further controversy arose after Gary Cahill was ruled out of the tournament, with 22-year-old Martin Kelly with only two minutes of international football being called up as a replacement instead of Ferdinand. This led to Ferdinand's representative Jamie Moralee accusing Hodgson of showing a "lack of respect".[92]

On 3 October 2012, the Daily Mirror reported that Roy Hodgson had revealed to fellow passengers on the London Underground that Ferdinand would no longer be considered for England duty, despite the retirement of John Terry.[93] Hodgson later apologised for these comments and denied that he was ruling Ferdinand out of playing for England again.[94]

On 14 March 2013, Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad for the first time under Hodgson for England's 2014 World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, though subsequently Ferdinand pulled out of the squad on 18 March due to 'fitness concerns'. Ferdinand said he was "gutted" at having to withdraw but said it was the "right decision". However, Roy Hodgson assured Ferdinand he still had an international future despite the withdrawal.[95][96]

In May 2013, Ferdinand announced his retirement from international football, saying that "it's the right time to make room for young players and focus on the club career".[97][98]

Style of play

Ferdinand was considered an atypical defensive product of English football due to his more elegant, graceful, and "continental" rather than physical style of defensive play;[99][100][101][102] in particular, he was singled out for his unique technical ability, skill, balance, and confidence on the ball, despite his height, as well as his composure in possession, distribution with either foot, and his ability to carry the ball forward or play it out from the back on the ground.[103][104][105][106][107][108] As such, due to his mobility and ball–playing ability, he was often paired with a more physical centre-back throughout his career, such as Nemanja Vidić with Manchester United, or John Terry with England.[106][107][109][110] Although he often played in a central defensive pairing in a back–four throughout his career, he was also capable of playing in the centre of a three–man back–line, in which he essentially functioned as a sweeper, courtesy of his technique and passing.[111] Due to his ball skills, he occasionally drew criticism from pundits and his managers in his youth for taking unnecessary risks in possession, and committing mistakes, although he improved upon this aspect of the game as he matured with age and experience.[102][112]

A world-class defender, who was considered to be one of the best stoppers in the world at his peak,[100][113] Ferdinand is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, and as one of England's, Manchester United's, and the Premier League's best ever centre-backs.[99][104][110][114][115][116] In his prime, he was also praised for his pace, work-rate, and tackling,[102][105][106] in addition to his positioning, consistency, intelligence, and ability to read the game.[99][117][118][119][120][121] He was also an athletic and physically strong defender, who was reliable in the air,[99][122][123][124] although at times he was criticised in the media for his aerial game, as well as his ability to defend high balls and set pieces, in particular in his youth.[112][125] In addition to his defensive skills, he also possessed significant leadership qualities.[105][126] Despite his ability, however, his later career was marked by injuries, which led him to lose the exceptional pace which had characterised him in his early career, and which previously allowed him to compensate for the occasional lapses in concentration he experienced in his youth; as such, he occasionally struggled against faster opponents with his advancing age.[100][111][116][124]

Boxing career

In September 2017, Ferdinand announced that he was launching a career to become a professional boxer. His move into the ring was sponsored by betting company Betfair, who assisted him in attempting to qualify for his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) licence before he began training and competing. Ferdinand stated that "I'm doing this [boxing] because it's a challenge, I've won titles and now I'm aiming for a belt."[127] It was announced in May 2018 that Ferdinand had been refused a professional boxing licence by the British Boxing Board of Control. BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith told BBC Sport: "There are a lot of things we take into consideration. He never had a competitive fight and although he has been in the gym, there is a difference between being in the gym and boxing. We do not deem it beneficial for him to have a licence."[128] Following the rejection, Ferdinand announced that he was "hanging-up his gloves".[129]

FA commission

On 20 October 2013, Ferdinand and Roy Hodgson were appointed to the Football Association's commission to improve the state of the national game.[130]

Personal life

Ferdinand (far right) with Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Ferdinand grew up in the Friary council estate, Peckham.[15] He has several brothers and sisters: one brother and three sisters on his father's side and a brother and sister from his mother's remarriage.[11] His brother, Anton Ferdinand, also played as a defender, while his cousins are Les Ferdinand and Kane Ferdinand.[15] Although he spent the majority of his career with Manchester United, he grew up supporting rivals Liverpool.[131]

In 2006 in Manchester, Ferdinand's girlfriend Rebecca Ellison gave birth to their first son.[132] The couple had two more children.[133] In 2010, Ferdinand unsuccessfully sued the Sunday Mirror to prevent the publication of a story about an alleged affair with Carly Storey.[134] During the case, it was alleged that then-England captain Ferdinand had affairs with ten different women.[135][136]

Ellison and Ferdinand married in 2009. Ellison died of breast cancer on 2 May 2015, aged 34.[137][138] Ferdinand's memoir of his wife's illness and subsequent bereavement, Thinking Out Loud, was co-written with Decca Aitkenhead, and published in October 2017.[139]

On 27 September 2019, Ferdinand married for the second time, to Kate Wright. The ceremony was attended by his children, along with the couple's other close family members.[140] In June 2020, Ferdinand and Wright announced that they were expecting their first child together.[141] The child, a boy, was born on 18 December 2020.

Ferdinand set up the Live the Dream Foundation charity in December 2009 to provide education and employment opportunities for children.[142]

Politics

Although Ferdinand has never voted before in a general election, he backed a Remain vote in the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum.[143]

Controversies

In 2000, Ferdinand briefly appeared in a sexually explicit video filmed at the Ayia Napa resort in Cyprus along with fellow English footballers Kieron Dyer and Frank Lampard. Channel 4 aired a brief clip as part of their 2004 documentary Sex, Footballers and Videotape, claiming it was used to "remind the viewer that this is based on real life".[144]

In 2002, during the rape trial of their acquaintance Martin King, Ferdinand and former Leeds colleague Michael Duberry denied allegations that Duberry had molested the woman and Ferdinand had threatened her in the Leeds nightclub Hi-Fi on the night of 22 January, as well as further allegations of scuffling and drunkenness. Both men were interviewed by the police but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in April 2003 that they would not face charges.[145] King was found guilty of indecent assault and attempted rape.[146]

During a radio interview on The Chris Moyles Show in October 2006, Ferdinand attracted two listener complaints and criticism from gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell when he called Moyles a faggot, followed by "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm not homophobic", after Moyles had jokingly suggested he was homosexual. BBC Radio 1 later dismissed the exchange as banter, while Tatchell said "since [he] very promptly apologised, I am happy to accept his regret and leave it at that".[147]

In the wake of a court case involving John Terry and Rio's brother Anton, in which Terry was found not guilty of racial abuse, Rio Ferdinand sparked media controversy by expressing amusement at the comments of a Twitter user who referred to Ashley Cole, who had testified in Terry's favour, as a "choc ice", a slang term which is commonly understood to mean "black on the outside, white on the inside". Ferdinand deleted the tweet shortly afterwards and denied choc ice is a racist term, adding, "And if I want to laugh at something someone tweets....I will! Hahahahaha! Now stop getting ya knickers in a twist!"[148] Cole's lawyers released a statement in response, stating that he would not be taking the matter further.[149] Ferdinand's words were condemned as "insensitive and untimely" by Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief Clarke Carlisle.[150] In August 2012, Ferdinand was fined £45,000 for his Twitter remarks after an Independent Regulatory Commission found him guilty of bringing the game into disrepute with an "improper" comment which included "a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race."[151]

In October 2014, Ferdinand was again charged by the FA for using offensive language on Twitter, after referring to the mother of a critic as a "sket", a Jamaican slang word for a promiscuous female.[152] Ferdinand was fined £25,000 for the offence and banned from playing for three games.[153] The FA considered Ferdinand's position as a "role model" to be an aggravating factor for the penalty, in addition to it being his second Twitter offence within three years and no admission of wrongdoing.[154]

In March 2015, it was announced that Ferdinand would be the new face of online casino Casino Floor. The announcement provoked strong criticism on Twitter from a number of Ferdinand's followers,[155] who suggested it was inappropriate that a role model for young people should endorse gambling, particularly given the well documented struggles of many of his peers with problem gambling.[156]

Driving bans

In September 1997, Ferdinand was convicted of drink-driving and given a one-year driving ban. He had been breathalysed after driving on the morning after a night out, and was found to be one point over the limit.[157] As a result, England manager Glenn Hoddle dropped Ferdinand from the squad to face Moldova in a World Cup qualification match on 10 September, meaning Ferdinand lost out on the chance, at 18 years and 10 months of age, of becoming the youngest England international since Duncan Edwards.[157][158]

In March 2003, Ferdinand was given another six-month ban from driving, and fined £2,500 and six penalty points for driving at an average of 92 mph (148 km/h) along the M1.[159] In May 2005, he was criticised by a magistrate as he received his fourth ban from driving and a fine of £1,500, after being caught by traffic police "travelling at an average of 105.9 mph (170.4 km/h) over a distance of nearly two miles" on the M6 motorway. Upon setting the penalty, the magistrate said Ferdinand "should be a positive role model for young people in society and this does not give out the right message". It followed two previous bans for speeding, in 2002 and 2003.[160]

In August 2020, Ferdinand was banned from driving for six months after he admitted speeding on the A27 at Hangleton in Hove. Ferdinand was reported to have driven at 85 mph. He was ordered to pay a total of £822 in fines and costs.[161]

Order of the British Empire

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to association football and charity,[162] having set up the Rio Ferdinand Foundation in 2022, a charity which works with young people and aids community development.[163]

Racist abuse

In December 2023, a 33-year-old man from Staffordshire was sent to prison for six months, having been found guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand at Molineux in May 2021. Ferdinand was working there as a TV pundit for a match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United.[164]

Television, punditry, film and music

Ferdinand in 2015

The Duran Duran song "Rio" has been used in football chants both for and against Ferdinand; in 2002, fan Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran's lead singer) promised to re-record one of the football chants if the England team (featuring Ferdinand) won their World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.[165]

Ferdinand was sponsored by sportswear company Nike and appeared in Nike commercials. In a global Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside football players such as Thierry Henry, Ronaldo, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo, Fabio Cannavaro, and Hidetoshi Nakata, with former player Eric Cantona the tournament "referee".[166][167]

In 2005, Ferdinand, along with an old school friend, created the record label White Chalk Music.[168] To date, there are two artists signed to the label: Melody Johnston and Nia Jai. The latter released an album on 6 October 2010, which features Ferdinand rapping.[169]

In June 2006, ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ferdinand presented the TV show Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups, in which he carried out a series of practical jokes on his England teammates. It was broadcast immediately after England's opening World Cup game against Paraguay.[170]

He made his first foray into the world of cinema in late 2008, financing and becoming an executive producer of Alex de Rakoff's film Dead Man Running. The film features Danny Dyer and 50 Cent in a gangster-themed plot. Ferdinand will share production credits with England teammate Ashley Cole.[171]

In 2008, Ferdinand filmed a documentary about Peckham, aiming to persuade youngsters away from a life of crime.[172]

On 16 January 2009, it was announced that he would working with publishing company Made Up Media to launch a digital magazine.[173] In conjunction with this, Ferdinand was guest editor of the February edition of the Observer Sport Monthly, providing interviews with people ranging from Gordon Brown to Usain Bolt.[174] The magazine, called "#5 Magazine", had its first issue published in April of that year.[175]

In 2015, he joined BT Sport (now TNT Sports) as a pundit for their coverage of the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.[176]

In March 2017, Ferdinand discussed strategies for coping with bereavement in the BBC One documentary Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad.[177] The programme won the Robert Flaherty Award for Single Documentary at the 2018 BAFTA Awards.

Released in November 2022, Ferdinand was the focus of a three-part docuseries entitled “Rio Ferdinand’s Tipping Point” which explored race, sexuality, and mental health in football communities.[178]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
West Ham United 1995–96[179] Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 — — 1 0
1996–97[22] Premier League 15 2 1 0 1 0 — — 17 2
1997–98[180] Premier League 35 0 6 0 5 0 — — 46 0
1998–99[181] Premier League 31 0 1 0 1 0 — — 33 0
1999–2000[182] Premier League 33 0 1 0 4 0 3[a] 0 6[b] 0 46 0
2000–01[183] Premier League 12 0 — 2 0 — — 14 0
Total 127 2 9 0 13 0 3 0 6 0 158 2
AFC Bournemouth (loan) 1996–97[22] Second Division 10 0 — — — 1[c] 0 11 0
Leeds United 2000–01[183] Premier League 23 2 2 0 — 7[d] 1 — 32 3
2001–02[184] Premier League 31 0 1 0 2 0 7[a] 0 — 41 0
Total 54 2 3 0 2 0 14 1 0 0 73 3
Manchester United 2002–03[185] Premier League 28 0 3 0 4 0 11[d] 0 — 46 0
2003–04[186] Premier League 20 0 0 0 0 0 6[d] 0 1[e] 0 27 0
2004–05[187] Premier League 31 0 5 0 1 0 5[d] 0 0 0 42 0
2005–06[188] Premier League 37 3 2 0 5 0 8[d] 0 — 52 3
2006–07[189] Premier League 33 1 7 0 0 0 9[d] 0 — 49 1
2007–08[190] Premier League 35 2 4 0 0 0 11[d] 1 1[e] 0 51 3
2008–09[191] Premier League 24 0 3 0 1 0 11[d] 0 4[f] 0 43 0
2009–10[192] Premier League 13 0 0 0 1 0 6[d] 0 1[e] 0 21 0
2010–11[193] Premier League 19 0 2 0 1 0 7[d] 0 0 0 29 0
2011–12[194] Premier League 30 0 1 0 0 0 6[g] 0 1[e] 0 38 0
2012–13[195] Premier League 28 1 2 0 0 0 4[d] 0 — 34 1
2013–14[196] Premier League 14 0 1 0 1 0 7[d] 0 0 0 23 0
Total 312 7 30 0 14 0 91 1 8 0 455 8
Queens Park Rangers 2014–15[197] Premier League 11 0 1 0 0 0 — — 12 0
Career total 514 11 43 0 29 0 108 2 15 0 709 13
  1. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ a b c d Appearance in FA Community Shield
  6. ^ One appearance in FA Community Shield, one in UEFA Super Cup, two in FIFA Club World Cup
  7. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two in UEFA Europa League

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England[198] 1997 1 0
1998 4 0
1999 3 0
2000 2 0
2001 9 0
2002 9 1
2003 5 0
2004 3 0
2005 8 0
2006 12 0
2007 8 1
2008 8 1
2009 4 0
2010 4 0
2011 1 0
Total 81 3
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ferdinand goal.
List of international goals scored by Rio Ferdinand [198]
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 15 June 2002 Niigata Stadium, Niigata, Japan 26  Denmark 1–0 3–0 2002 FIFA World Cup
2 12 September 2007 Wembley Stadium, London, England 62  Russia 3–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
3 11 October 2008 Wembley Stadium, London, England 71  Kazakhstan 1–0 5–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

West Ham United

Manchester United[199][8]

Individual

Orders and special awards

Bibliography

Title Year published Pages Ref.
Rio: My Story 2007 470 [220]
Rio: My Decade as a Red 2013 256 [221]
#2Sides: My Autobiography 2014 271 [222]
Thinking Out Loud: Love, Grief and Being Mum and Dad 2017 288 [223]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. 2 February 2012. p. 23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  2. ^ "Rio Ferdinand". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Player Profile: Rio Ferdinand". Premier League. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  4. ^ "Rio Ferdinand Profile, Statistics, News, Game Log". ESPN Soccernet. 15 November 1997. Archived from the original on 6 April 2010. Retrieved 19 April 2010.
  5. ^ "Chelsea v Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand vilified as his pursuit of the FA Cup goes on". The Daily Telegraph. London. 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Why is Rio Ferdinand the most unheralded player of his England generation?". FourFourTwo. 4 June 2015.
  7. ^ "Rio Ferdinand retires: Former Manchester Utd defender was one of the greats". Sky Sports.
  8. ^ a b Jupp, Adam (13 May 2014). "Rio Ferdinand career in numbers". Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  9. ^ "Rio Ferdinand says professional boxing career will help him cope with the loss of his wife". Manchester Evening News. 19 September 2017.
  10. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (2007) [2006]. Rio: My Story. London: Headline Publishing Group. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-7553-1533-8.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Jackson, Jamie (12 August 2007). "His name is Rio". The Observer. London. Retrieved 5 November 2008.
  12. ^ Parker, Helen (29 March 2008). "Caribbean property: Rio Ferdinand is ahead of the game". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 27 March 2009. Retrieved 5 November 2008.
  13. ^ Wintle, Angela (21 August 2014). "Rio Ferdinand: My Family Values". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Llewellyn Smith, Caspar (1 June 2008). "A united front". The Observer. London. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
  15. ^ a b c d Jones, Chris (21 June 2002). "Rio Ferdinand: The silver lining". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
  16. ^ "London gymnastics team wins gold at the weekend". Croydon Guardian. London. 14 June 2011. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  17. ^ Hytner, David (19 May 2008). "Old boys' reunion will not prevent Cole from taking care of business". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
  18. ^ "West Ham 1(0) – 1(0) Sheff Wed". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 21 May 2005. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
  19. ^ "The reasons why Rio Ferdinand joins Premier League Hall of Fame". Premier League. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  20. ^ Nixon, Alan (12 August 1997). "Berg makes £5m move to United". The Independent. London. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  21. ^ a b c Coffey, Charlie (5 February 2010). "A beginner's guide to Rio Ferdinand". The Times. London. Retrieved 26 July 2011.[dead link]
  22. ^ a b c "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  23. ^ Carroll, Jack (2 December 2000). "Leeds refuse to blame it on Rio". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  24. ^ "Spaniards humbled by Leeds". BBC Sport. 4 April 2001. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  25. ^ "Leeds shock Liverpool". BBC Sport. 13 April 2001. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  26. ^ "Leeds see off hapless Hammers". BBC Sport. 21 April 2001. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  27. ^ "Man Utd seal Rio deal". BBC Sport. 22 July 2002. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  28. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: ""I would've gone public!" Rio and Cole on player power". YouTube / BT Sport. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  29. ^ "Man Utd reach Rio deal". BBC Sport. 21 July 2002. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  30. ^ Kelso, Paul; Mackay, Duncan; Taylor, Daniel (7 October 2003). "England star Ferdinand in drugs test row". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  31. ^ Lawrence, Mike (13 October 2003). "Key questions facing Ferdinand". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  32. ^ Moore, Glenn (10 October 2003). "Ferdinand faces ban for missing drug test". The Independent. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  33. ^ Taylor, Daniel (19 March 2004). "Rio at a dead end clutching at hairs". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  34. ^ Brennan, Stuart (13 August 2004). "FA turn down new Rio test". Manchester Evening News. MEN Media. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  35. ^ "Ferdinand banned for eight months". BBC Sport. 19 December 2003. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  36. ^ Goodbody, John (9 October 2003). "Negouai precedent may help Ferdinand". The Times. London. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  37. ^ "Ferdinand ban upheld". BBC Sport. 18 March 2004. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  38. ^ Plummer, David (11 September 2004). "Ferdinand lined up for Liverpool return". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  39. ^ "Ferdinand delight on return". BBC Sport. 20 September 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  40. ^ Brodkin, Jon (2 May 2005). "Ferdinand feels fans' fury". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  41. ^ Moore, Glenn (2 May 2005). "Ferdinand feels wrath of fans as United put pressure on Arsenal". The Independent. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  42. ^ Adams, Tom (13 July 2005). "Fergie: Rio must sign now". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  43. ^ Taylor, Daniel (14 July 2005). "Ferguson losing patience in Ferdinand contract saga". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  44. ^ Gardner, Jamie; Johnson, Simon (21 July 2005). "Ferguson tells fans to back Ferdinand". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  45. ^ "Ferdinand faces abuse from fans". BBC Sport. 4 August 2005. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  46. ^ "Ferdinand signs new Man Utd deal". BBC Sport. 12 August 2005. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  47. ^ Taylor, Daniel (20 May 2008). "Ferdinand overcomes boos problem and warms to the cheers". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  48. ^ "Man Utd 4–0 Wigan". BBC Sport. 14 December 2005. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  49. ^ "Man Utd 3–0 West Brom". BBC Sport. 26 December 2005. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  50. ^ "Man Utd 1–0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 22 January 2006. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  51. ^ Cheese, Caroline (22 October 2006). "Man Utd 2–0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  52. ^ "Ronaldo secures PFA award double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
  53. ^ "Aston Villa 1–4 Man utd". BBC Sport. 20 October 2007. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  54. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (23 October 2007). "Dynamo Kiev 2–4 Man Utd". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  55. ^ McNulty, Phil (8 March 2008). "Man Utd 0–1 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
  56. ^ Smith, Alan (10 April 2008). "Roma fail to cash in on jittery defence". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  57. ^ Benammar, Emily (26 April 2008). "Rio Ferdinand apologises over steward incident". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  58. ^ Bloxham, Andy (30 April 2008). "Rio Ferdinand's kick victim reveals bruise". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  59. ^ "Ferdinand signs new Man Utd deal". BBC Sport. 15 May 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2008.
  60. ^ Thompson, Gemma (21 May 2008). "Report: MU 1 (6) Chelsea 1 (5)". Manchester United F.C. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
  61. ^ "Ferdinand condemns Fifa on racism". BBC Sport. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 8 October 2008.
  62. ^ Taylor, Daniel (26 January 2010). "Rio Ferdinand charged by FA with violent conduct against Hull". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  63. ^ "Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand gets four-game ban". BBC Sport. 28 January 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  64. ^ "Ferdinand returns much earlier than expected for Arsenal game". Goal.com. 19 August 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  65. ^ "Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand hurt by thrown coin". BBC News. 9 December 2012.
  66. ^ "Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand escapes Uefa sanction for sarcastically applauding Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir". The Telegraph. London. 7 March 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  67. ^ "Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand earns new contract". 23 May 2013.
  68. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: Defender to leave Manchester United in summer". BBC Sport. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  69. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: QPR sign ex-Man Utd and England defender". BBC Sport. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  70. ^ Henson, Mike (14 September 2014). "Man Utd 4–0 QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  71. ^ "Premier League: Ex-England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand plans to retire". Sky Sports. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  72. ^ "Rio Ferdinand and Joey Barton among six to leave QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  73. ^ "Joey Barton and Rio Ferdinand released on free transfers by QPR". The Daily Telegraph. London. 27 May 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  74. ^ "Rio Ferdinand announces retirement from football". BT Sport. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  75. ^ "Rio Ferdinand announces his retirement from football". Sky Sports. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  76. ^ "England's 81 BME players". England Football Online. Chris Goodwin, Glen Isherwood & Peter Young. 8 October 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  77. ^ Arnhold, Matthias (3 December 2015). "Rio Gavin Ferdinand – International Appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  78. ^ Freddi, Cris. The Complete Book of the World Cup 2006.
  79. ^ "England 5–1 Kazakhstan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  80. ^ "Dark side of Rio Ferdinand". Evening Standard. 7 October 2003.
  81. ^ "Ferdinand reveals Euro woe". Sky Sports. 30 May 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  82. ^ "Keegan names Euro 2000 squad". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 June 2000. Archived from the original on 31 October 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  83. ^ "Gattuso wonder goal sinks England". BBC News. 15 November 2000. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  84. ^ "R. Ferdinand". Soccerway. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  85. ^ Aikman, Richard (25 March 2008). "Ferdinand to captain England in Paris". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  86. ^ "Alex Ferguson proud of England captain Rio Ferdinand". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  87. ^ McNulty, Phil (10 October 2009) "Ferdinand must sharpen up" Archived 17 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  88. ^ "John Terry stripped of England captaincy by Capello". BBC Sport. 5 February 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  89. ^ "Rio Ferdinand out of England World Cup squad". BBC Sport. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  90. ^ "John Terry returns as permanent captain of England". BBC Sport. 20 March 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  91. ^ "Rio Ferdinand 'gutted' at England Euro 2012 snub". BBC Sport. 16 May 2012.
  92. ^ "Euro 2012: Gary Cahill ruled out but Rio Ferdinand overlooked". BBC Sport. 4 June 2012.
  93. ^ "Roy Hodgson expected to explain Rio Ferdinand comments". BBC Sport. 4 October 2012.
  94. ^ "Roy Hodgson apologises to Rio Ferdinand over Tube comments". BBC Sport. 4 October 2012.
  95. ^ "Rio Ferdinand recalled to England squad for World Cup qualifiers". BBC. 14 March 2013.
  96. ^ "Rio Ferdinand withdraws from England squad for World Cup qualifiers". The Guardian. London. 18 March 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  97. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United defender retires from England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  98. ^ "Rio Ferdinand retires from England duty". The Daily Telegraph. London. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  99. ^ a b c d "Why it will be at least a decade before England produce another top-class continental-style defender like Rio Ferdinand". The Mirror. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  100. ^ a b c Hayward, Paul (13 May 2014). "Rio Ferdinand was the Rolls Royce of defenders and exit from Manchester United signals changing of the guard". The Telegraph. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  101. ^ "The Evolution of Defending in the Premier League: From Bruce to Van Dijk". beIN Sports. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  102. ^ a b c Victor, Tom (19 March 2019). "Noughty Boys: Rio Ferdinand changed the game for English defenders". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  103. ^ "Rio: Playing out from the back". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  104. ^ a b Garside, Kevin (15 May 2013). "Rio Ferdinand retirement: The Manchester United defender earned the right to call time on his England career". The Independent. London. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  105. ^ a b c Tansey, Joe (25 August 2013). "Rio Ferdinand vs. John Terry: Who Is the Better Defender?". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  106. ^ a b c Brown, Oliver (10 February 2007). "United bank on Ferdinand". The Telegraph. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  107. ^ a b Mitten, Andy (26 April 2017). "Fergie, Ferdinand, Moscow and more – Nemanja Vidic talks to ESPN FC". ESPN FC. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  108. ^ Cox, Michael (30 January 2015). "John Terry is the Premier League's best central defender this season". ESPN FC. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  109. ^ Bate, Adam (17 May 2017). "John Terry's Chelsea career: Where does the defender rank?". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  110. ^ a b Hayes, Garry (16 June 2014). "Ranking England's 10 Greatest World Cup Central Defenders". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  111. ^ a b Cox, Michael (5 January 2018). "Premier League defending isn't worse, as Ferdinand says: it's just evolving". ESPN FC. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  112. ^ a b Herbert, Ian (17 October 2009). "Ferguson admits Rio must improve". The Independent. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  113. ^ "United unveil £30m Ferdinand". The Telegraph. 22 July 2002. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  114. ^ Miller, David (31 July 2007). "The best 20 England defenders". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  115. ^ "The 20 best Premier League defenders ever: where does John Terry rank?". The Telegraph. 12 May 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  116. ^ a b Mishra, Rohit Arvind (7 June 2010). "Rio Ferdinand's Losing Battles with Injuries Continue". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  117. ^ "Rio: The thinking man's guide to defending". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  118. ^ "West Ham United at the World Cup – '98". www.whufc.com. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  119. ^ "Rio Ferdinand". Manchester United F.C. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  120. ^ Gibson, Owen (15 May 2013). "Rio Ferdinand quits England with plaudits but more than a few regrets". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  121. ^ Mitten, Andy (9 August 2019). "Dimitar Berbatov: My Perfect Player – 'Duncan Ferguson smashed defenders with a passion that was strangely beautiful'". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  122. ^ Higham, Paul. "Rio Ferdinand profile". Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  123. ^ "Rio Ferdinand". BBC Sport. 9 June 2002. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  124. ^ a b Akerman, Nick (24 June 2014). "Rio Ferdinand Reportedly Agrees QPR Transfer After Manchester United Exit". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  125. ^ "England player ratings". BBC Sport. 20 August 2003. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  126. ^ Harbert, Jeff (15 May 2008). "Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand Should Be Captain—Permanently". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  127. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: Retired footballer to launch pro boxing career". BBC Sport. 19 September 2017.
  128. ^ "Trainer 'not surprised' licence refused". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  129. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: Former footballer refused professional boxing licence". BBC Sport. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  130. ^ "Rio Ferdinand & Roy Hodgson join Football Association commission". BBC Sport. 20 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  131. ^ Smith, Chris (25 December 2003). "Miss World and 105 other celebrity LFC fans". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  132. ^ Ferdinand, Rio; Curtis, Shaun (2007). Rio: My Story. Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7553-1533-8.
  133. ^ "FA Cup: Rio Ferdinand hits out at Mario Balotelli". BBC Sport. 17 April 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  134. ^ "Rio Ferdinand loses privacy case against Sunday Mirror". BBC News. 29 September 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  135. ^ "Rio Ferdinand had ten lovers, court hears". The Daily Telegraph. London. 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  136. ^ "Rio Ferdinand cheated on wife with at least 10 women, the High Court is told". Mirror.co.uk. 6 July 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  137. ^ "Rio Ferdinand's wife dies after cancer battle". BBC. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  138. ^ Mendick, Robert (2 May 2015). "Rio Ferdinand's wife dies after cancer battle". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  139. ^ Lisa Campbell (5 June 2017). "Rio Ferdinand pens grief memoir". The Bookseller. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  140. ^ "Rio Ferdinand admits he cried when Kate Wright walked down the aisle as couple share details from Turkish wedding". Evening Standard. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  141. ^ "Rio Ferdinand and Wife Kate Wright Exciting Pregnancy Announcement Video". 19 June 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  142. ^ McGrath, Mike (9 October 2009). "Ferdinand plans showbiz charity bash". The Independent. London. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  143. ^ "Rio Ferdinand: Why referendum has made me want to vote for first time". Evening Standard. 21 June 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  144. ^ Naysmith, Stephen (15 August 2004). "Channel 4 to show alleged Premiership sex video". Sunday Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  145. ^ Greer, Germaine (16 December 2003). "Nothing new about ugly sex". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  146. ^ Stokes, Paul (23 May 2003). "Life for bailed rapist who struck again". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  147. ^ "Ferdinand brands DJ 'a faggot' on air". The Guardian. London. 2 October 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  148. ^ Brodkin, Jon (15 July 2012). "Rio Ferdinand claims 'choc ice' term is common slang, not racist". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  149. ^ Steinberg, Jacob (15 July 2012). "Rio Ferdinand: I'm not racist, I was calling Ashley Cole a fake". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  150. ^ Lake, Jefferson (15 July 2012) "Ex-Cobbler Carlisle brands Ferdinand comment 'insensitive'" Archived 17 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine Northampton Chronicle & Echo. 15 July 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  151. ^ "Rio Ferdinand fined £45,000 by FA over 'choc ice' tweet". The Daily Telegraph. London. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  152. ^ "Rio Ferdinand charged by FA with misconduct over Twitter comment". BBC Sport. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  153. ^ "Rio Ferdinand suspended and fined over Twitter comment". BBC Sport. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  154. ^ "Rio Ferdinand ban because he is role model – Football Association". BBC Sport. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  155. ^ "Fans Slamming Footballer Rio Ferdinand's Gambling Endorsement Deal". onlinegamblingbible.com. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  156. ^ Aldridge, Gemma (21 March 2015). "Rio Ferdinand's online gambling endorsement deal is slammed as fans call foul". mirror. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  157. ^ a b Davies, Christopher (24 November 2000). "From Del Boy land to Del Piero's equal". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
  158. ^ Moore, Glenn (3 September 1997). "Ferdinand taught lesson by England". The Independent. London. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
  159. ^ "Rio Ferdinand in driving ban". BBC News. 31 March 2003. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  160. ^ "Rio Ferdinand banned for speeding". BBC News. 25 May 2005. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  161. ^ "Ferdinand hit with road ban for speeding". BBC News. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  162. ^ "No. 63714". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 June 2022. p. B13.
  163. ^ "Ferdinand, Muirhead, Bale & Moeen honoured by Queen". BBC News. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  164. ^ Gall, Caroline; Latcham, Giles (8 December 2023). "Rio Ferdinand abuser Jamie Arnold jailed for six months". BBC News. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  165. ^ "Duran Duran pledge Rio tribute". BBC News. 21 June 2002. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  166. ^ "A lighter shoe, cooler kits, a faster ball, a Secret Tournament – every touch counts". NikeBiz. Archived from the original on 2 June 2002. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  167. ^ Cozens, Claire (3 April 2002). "Cantona hosts World Cup with a difference". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  168. ^ "The record doctor: Rio Ferdinand". The Observer. London. 19 June 2005. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  169. ^ Irvine, Chris (7 August 2008). "Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand tries his hand at rapping". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  170. ^ Kelso, Paul (18 May 2006). "Rio plays for laughs on TV". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  171. ^ "Ferdinand & Cole to produce film". BBC Sport. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  172. ^ Brennan, Stuart (17 October 2008). "Rio's a changed man". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  173. ^ "His name is Rio and he cultivates his brand". The Guardian. London. 16 January 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  174. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (1 February 2009). "The Rio Ferdinand issue". The Observer. London. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  175. ^ "Rio's five alive and online". The Football Association. 30 April 2009. Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  176. ^ "Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Glenn Hoddle join Gary Lineker as BT". London Evening Standard. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2017.
  177. ^ Participant: Rio Ferdinand; Director: Matt Smith (28 March 2017). "Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad". Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad. BBC. BBC One. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  178. ^ "Rio Ferdinand on how his new series Tipping Point can lead to "positive, impactful change"". Radio Times. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  179. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 1995/1996". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  180. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  181. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  182. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  183. ^ a b "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  184. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  185. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  186. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  187. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  188. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  189. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  190. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  191. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  192. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  193. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  194. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  195. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  196. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  197. ^ "Games played by Rio Ferdinand in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  198. ^ a b "Ferdinand, Rio". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  199. ^ "Man Utd News – Team news, injury updates, transfers, new signings". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  200. ^ a b "Rio Ferdinand: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  201. ^ "PFA's Premiership XI". BBC Sport. 15 April 2002. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  202. ^ "Terry claims player of year award". BBC Sport. 24 April 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  203. ^ "Ronaldo secures PFA awards double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  204. ^ "Ronaldo named player of the year". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  205. ^ "Giggs earns prestigious PFA award". BBC Sport. 26 April 2009. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  206. ^ "Gareth Bale wins PFA Player of Year and Young Player awards". BBC Sport. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  207. ^ "ESM Squad of the season". European Football Statistics. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  208. ^ "The FIFPro World XI of the Year 2007/2008" (PDF). FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 November 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  209. ^ "Sports stars celebrate London Youth Games". London: Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  210. ^ "Man Utd dominate 20 Seasons Fantasy Teams". Premier League. 26 June 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  211. ^ "Hall of Fame Inductees Announced". National Football Museum. 7 June 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  212. ^ "Ferdinand, Cech & Adams inducted into Hall of Fame". BBC Sport. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  213. ^ "Television Single Documentary in 2018". BAFTA. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  214. ^ BAFTA (26 March 2022). "Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad wins Single Documentary" – via YouTube.
  215. ^ BAFTA (26 March 2022). "Rio Ferdinand talks about becoming a BAFTA winner for Single Documentary" – via YouTube.
  216. ^ Porter, Toby (3 March 2022). "Ex-England captain Rio Ferdinand bestowed with honorary doctorate for his equality work". London News Online. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  217. ^ "Rio Ferdinand presented with honorary doctorate by London South Bank University". The Voice. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  218. ^ "Rio Ferdinand, honorary doctor of letters". The London South Bank University. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  219. ^ "Queen's Birthday Honours: Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Bale, Eve Muirhead and Moeen Ali honoured". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  220. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (2006). Rio: My Story. Headline. ISBN 978-0755315321.
  221. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (August 2013). Rio: My Decade as a Red. Bonnier Books Limited. ISBN 978-1905825585.
  222. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (October 2014). #2Sides: My Autobiography. Blink. ISBN 978-1905825912.
  223. ^ Ferdinand, Rio (2017). Thinking Out Loud. Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 9781473670235.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rio Ferdinand.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Rio Ferdinand.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rio_Ferdinand&oldid=1247997365"