Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has embarked on a significant new chapter, relocating his family to Dubai and stepping away from his high-profile punditry role.
A New Chapter in the Sun
In a major lifestyle shift, Rio Ferdinand moved to Dubai with his family earlier this year. The Premier League legend, who won six league titles with Manchester United, announced in May that he would be leaving his role as a pundit on TNT Sports after a decade with the broadcaster. His final match was the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Explaining his decision on social media, Ferdinand stated it was time to focus on new ventures. "As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories," he said. "I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests."
Why Dubai? Family, Lifestyle and Business
Ferdinand cited multiple reasons for choosing the United Arab Emirates for his family's new home. He told The National that a visit during the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas revealed a different side to the city. The lifestyle, safety, weather, and education system were key factors.
"In Dubai, it feels like they're valued and the lifestyle means that they're happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids," Ferdinand explained, referring to his children. He also noted the timing was perfect for his 14-year-old children beginning their GCSEs, as well as for his younger children, aged four and two.
His wife, former The Only Way Is Essex star Kate Ferdinand, whom he married in 2019, shared her excitement on social media in August. "A new chapter, a fresh start - because if we don't try, we'll never know," she posted, calling the move to the place they first met both scary and exciting.
The Fortune Behind the Move
The move is underpinned by Ferdinand's considerable wealth, accumulated from his football and media career. Estimates place his net worth at around £57 million. During his playing days at Manchester United, he reportedly earned £6 million annually.
After retiring, his transition to punditry was highly lucrative, with reports suggesting he earned a salary of £7 million per year from his work with TNT Sports. This post-playing income has significantly contributed to his current financial standing.
His luxury lifestyle is evident in his assets. Before the move, the family lived in a lavish £4 million UK mansion complete with a swimming pool and gym. Ferdinand is also a known car enthusiast, with a collection featuring an Aston Martin DBS (£225,000), a Porsche Cayenne (£70,000+), and a Bentley Continental GT (£180,000+).
With his business interests, including Football Escapes, now taking priority and his family settled into their new life in the sun, Ferdinand's journey from the pitch to the punditry desk has entered a distinctly new and prosperous phase.
