Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has delivered a witty response to critics who mocked his recent description of himself as a 'man of the people'. The 47-year-old's comment came during a discussion about the controversial pricing of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 'Man of the People' Comment and Backlash
Ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington DC on December 3, Ferdinand was asked by the BBC about fan accessibility, specifically regarding FIFA's dynamic pricing policy. This system, common in entertainment, could see fans pay up to £5,094 for the most expensive tickets to the final in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
In response, Ferdinand stated: 'I am a man of the people in terms of I'm from a place where we were always hoping for things to be accessible.' He added that he believed FIFA was working towards better accessibility, though success was not guaranteed.
However, the remark sparked immediate ridicule online. Critics pointed to Ferdinand's decision to relocate his family to the tax haven of Dubai in August 2025. Even former England teammate Jamie Carragher joined in, replying to the story with laughing and money bag emojis.
Ferdinand's Defence and Life in Dubai
Ferdinand had previously explained his move to Dubai in an interview with LBC in November. He cited concerns about the UK's public services and tax spending as key reasons. 'If things like the health service... was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn't mind paying tax,' he said. 'But when there's things that are falling apart... I sit there and go, is it really going towards the things that are actually benefiting the people that live here?'
He and his wife Kate have documented their new life in the Middle East on social media, praising the lifestyle, safety, and weather for their family.
The Hilarious Social Media Riposte
Demonstrating he can take a joke, Ferdinand hit back on social media on December 6. He posted a photo of himself on the phone while holding two newspapers. One of the papers was clearly headlined 'Man of the people' and featured a picture of the former defender, in a playful nod to the week's headlines.
The post allowed Ferdinand to have the last laugh in the ongoing saga, which blended sports finance with celebrity lifestyle choices. Meanwhile, FIFA has defended its ticketing strategy, stating in a release: 'We will adapt prices as per the demand we see... We do not intend at all to change prices every five minutes.'
