Rio Ferdinand

Widely regarded as one of England’s most admired footballers, Rio has spent the last decade transitioning from the pitch to the boardroom, establishing himself as a broadcaster, podcaster, creator and entrepreneur.

With an undeniable aura, Rio embodies confidence and style, navigating life after football with remarkable success. In this exclusive Sports World feature, we explore how he continues to break boundaries, achieve new milestones, and redefine success as a modern-day media mogul.

On a serene summer bank holiday in London, the morning sun bathes the elegant interiors of New Era’s headquarters in a soft, golden
light. Amidst the understated elegance of this premier talent management agency, Rio commands the room with quiet authority.

We’re mere miles from Peckham, where Rio’s journey began alongside his brother Anton and their parents, Janice and Julian. London has always been his home, save for his illustrious 12-year tenure in Manchester. For Rio, the capital is woven into the fabric of who he has become.

As handshakes are exchanged and conversation flows, Rio’s influence is palpable; his effortlessly stylish demeanour sets the tone for those around him, with many mirroring his notable fashion sense. His presence is magnetic and reassuring, fostering an environment where authenticity thrives. His imposing 6-foot-2 frame radiates confidence, while his sophisticated taste and deep football insight leave a lasting impression.

Yet, it is his steady, encouraging demeanour that defines the atmosphere. In his own words, he is a ‘connector.’

Raw, honest, and brimming with energy, Rio approaches business with the same passion that characterised his footballing career. As one of the greatest defenders of all time, Rio’s accolades speak for themselves: six Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and 81 caps for England, seven as captain. No matter who you support, Rio’s status as a symbol of a golden era of British football and an icon of the early noughties is indisputable.

Today, we bear witness to a new chapter in Rio’s journey. Having weathered profound challenges and soaring triumphs, he is emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. When asked which stage he is at in life, his answer is clear: “Turning a new chapter.”

“I’ve always been a curious, inquisitive kind of mind,” he says. “If there’s a door ajar I’m always looking to push it open — what’s behind there, what impact can I make behind that door?”

In his pomp, Rio had it all; he was performing at the highest level, winning trophies, and captaining his country. Yet, while his focus remained firmly on the pitch, he had one eye on his future off it.

By the time he’d turned 26, Rio had already started planning for life after football, venturing into the hospitality industry with Italian restaurant, Rosso. The decision to open the venue — albeit a sensible one — wasn’t met with enthusiasm by his manager at the time, Sir Alex Ferguson. “I went straight to Sir Alex and David Gill, the club’s CEO at the time, and told them about the restaurant,” says Rio. “The manager flipped! He said, ‘What the hell are you doing? Are you going to be doing dishes, serving drinks?’ I had to explain that I was investing.”

Sir Alex, a manager known for demanding complete focus from his players, was met with Rio’s
uncompromising vision; a vision that ensured he would never be confined to one vocation or income. This moment epitomises the deep-rooted hunger that drives Rio, and nearly two decades later, his appetite for business and philanthropy continues to grow.

Today, Rio Ferdinand Presents, his podcast and YouTube channel, draws thousands of listeners weekly and boasts a strong Instagram following of over 202,000. The platform is a hub for the latest in world football, featuring high-profile guests and in-depth discussions.

Beyond broadcasting, Rio is a Director of Football Escapes, a travel organisation providing premier football camps in partnership with some of the finest and most exclusive hotels and resorts worldwide. He’s also a partner at WeAre8 and founded the Rio Ferdinand Foundation in 2012, a charitable organisation which supports disadvantaged young people.

That, alongside several other investments, forms a demanding portfolio—one that his wife Kate knows all too well. Yet, Rio’s relentless drive is fueled by an undeniable passion for his work and an insatiable curiosity about life.

In 2015, Rio had an encounter that reshaped his approach to business, emphasising the virtues of patience and the importance of prioritising people—lessons he believes every entrepreneur should heed. “I was lucky enough to meet a guy called Saul Klein at a Web Summit in Dublin,” he says. “He has a Dragon’s Den style set up in his office once every two weeks. He invited me to come along and listen to some of the pitches.

“I was getting so excited by every idea that was pitched. I was like, ‘My god, what an idea! Unbelievable!’ and Saul just told me to chill out. I’m quite impulsive naturally, but he taught me to really look at who you’re investing in before you make a decision. It doesn’t matter how good the idea is, unless you’ve got the right person or people in charge and running the company, it won’t take off.

“I still get it wrong here and there because I always have an initial excitement when I hear or see something, but it taught me to be more patient. If I’d been given that advice on day one, more of my investments would be doing much better.”

Arguably, Rio’s greatest asset is his ability to connect with people. In the dressing room, he was the ‘connector,’ bringing diverse personalities within the team together and working tirelessly to keep morale high. It’s a skill that arguably sets elite operators apart from the rest. After all, who among the upper echelons of global entrepreneurship isn’t a master at forging relationships?

The capacity to interact effortlessly, express opinions, and share light-hearted moments is crucial to successful negotiation and, ultimately, success itself. It’s a quality Rio has carried with him throughout his life—from the changing room to the boardroom.

“Being a good people person is huge in any walk of life,” he says. “It’s my best skill, man. Whether it’s your friendship groups, whether it’s with family, or in the world of business, having a willingness to listen and communicate with other individuals is an essential part of living.”

Rio’s approach offers invaluable lessons for players planning their transition into the business world after football. While he was busy becoming one of the sport’s legends, he was also building a network of influential contacts—connections that would later prove instrumental in his post-football ventures. His journey highlights the importance of mindfully expanding your network throughout your career as a crucial part of preparing for life after the final whistle.

“I’m now leaning on a lot of contacts and relationships that have been built over 25-30 years,” he says. “I think you have to be open and willing to put yourself in positions. Be approachable, be likeable. I think players can sometimes be ignorant to the fact that there is a life after football. Navigating that path into retirement is a difficult thing, especially if you don’t forward-think and plan. It can then become a fearful process full of uncertainty and worry, which brings hysteria and fear.

“I was probably preparing from 25 years old. I wanted to have maybe four or five different avenues I can go into once I retire, whether it be in football, media, my foundation or other businesses. Fortunately for me, once I hung up the boots, all of those avenues were there, set and ready to go. Now, I’m bearing the fruits of that preparation. I can’t tell young footballers enough how important it is.”

The art of comparison is often seen as a double-edged sword—a potential thief of joy that can overshadow the most positive outcomes. Yet, for Rio, it’s a vital tool in his arsenal. As a pundit and media personality, dissecting and analysing situations is central to his role, and this mindset naturally permeates his everyday thinking.

During our conversation, you can almost see the gears turning in Rio’s mind. Even when discussing the importance of preparing for life after football, he instinctively considers alternative perspectives. This ability to evaluate multiple sides of a situation is what makes Rio so compelling. His deep life experiences and innate empathy foster an openness that resonates with those around him, embodying the qualities of a true leader and culture-setter.

“But the biggest thing I would say is don’t start that process too early,” he says. “I see a lot of young players’ families or agents who help them control their careers saying ‘let’s think about a clothing brand or a foundation, let’s think about creating this and that’, and I’m thinking, bro, you don’t even know how to prepare for a game properly yet. Focus on your routine and getting the best out of yourself, and when that is down to a T, then start putting the building blocks in place.”

As the world watches former Sports World cover star Jude Bellingham continue his meteoric rise—a journey that has earned him Rio’s admiration—football is increasingly seen as the ultimate stage for the globe’s most celebrated stars. Jude, who recently endorsed Kim Kardashian’s brand SKIMS, has handled this new era of fame with ease, setting a precedent that young players are eager to follow. But Rio offers a word of caution to those who aspire to this glamorous lifestyle, reminding them that the pursuit of fame and greatness comes with its own set of challenges.

“I think it’s a crime, almost,” he says. “You’ve probably spent your whole life getting to this point, and now, at the top of the mountain, you’re looking around at other things and losing your focus. Because listen, no matter how long it takes you to get to the top of the mountain, the hardest part is staying there.”

Today’s younger generation may not fully grasp the magnitude of Rio’s achievements—having not witnessed firsthand his era of dominant performances and trophy-laden triumphs. Despite retirement, Rio has remained a relevant figure within the footballing landscape, captivating his wider audience and also those in his immediate surroundings. Suave, intelligent, and acutely aware of his place in modern society, Rio is very much at the pinnacle of his media empire.

Rio’s official TikTok account, boasting over a million followers (@rioferdy5), and his recent appearance on Cristiano Ronaldo’s YouTube channel, which has garnered over 15 million views, speak volumes about his influence in the digital space. Rio and Cristiano share a close bond, having played together for years at Manchester United.

The iconic Portuguese star is set to appear on Rio’s new YouTube channel and podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, alongside other world-class athletes. Rio’s comfort in navigating the current media landscape is more than evident. He’s not only an architect of original content that resonates with Gen-Z and football fans, but he also maintains his stature as a credible businessman—a duality that Rio has truly mastered.

However, Rio’s impact on the next generation extends far beyond social media. In 2012, he established the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, a charity born from his experiences with inequality while growing up in Peckham. Today, the foundation operates in communities across the UK and Ireland, with regional hubs in London, Manchester, and Belfast.

It has supported over 10,000 young people, empowering them to overcome the considerable challenges they face and realise their full potential. Through education and mentorship, the foundation prepares these individuals for employment, helping to build a brighter future for them and their communities.

“The foundation is something that comes from my mum,” he says. “She was a real community-driven person. If any mothers or families had issues on our estate, she would go to their houses and help–we often had loads of kids in our house as she would offer to babysit. She inspired me a lot.”

Rio’s mother, Janice, was a key figure in the Foundation, serving on its board until her passing in 2017 after a battle with breast cancer. Throughout Rio’s upbringing, Janice worked as a nursery nurse, dedicating her career to supporting young patients and their families in children’s wards. Her unwavering commitment to the youth community laid the Foundation’s bedrock and profoundly influenced Rio’s values. Her legacy continues to inspire the Foundation’s mission and Rio’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of young people.

“I firmly believe that what you see is what you become,” he says. “I am a shining example of that. After seeing my mum’s work and everything she did, inspiring and helping young children change their lives is just ingrained in me.”

Rio is also a Partner at WeAre8, a social media platform dedicated to empowering and uniting society. The platform aims to revolutionise social media by eliminating anonymity and hate, fostering a space that inspires millions to create positive change. With its innovative social technology and centralised wallet, WeAre8 redirects advertising revenue to benefit people, publishers, non-profits, and planet projects, rather than concentrating wealth in the hands of tech giants.

This ethos resonates deeply with Rio’s values. Through his involvement with WeAre8, he has come to understand the power of collective action truly and witnessed firsthand the deep impact his work can have on society.

“Not a lot gets to me, but this day did,” he tells us. “I was at an event for WeAre8, and this girl just broke down crying. She was someone we had helped through the Foundation. She told me that when she first walked through the Foundation’s doors she was so negative and in a horrible place mentally.

“Now, she has a vision, a pathway and a drive to go and make something of her life, and that’s all thanks to the Foundation. We’re a typical British company, we don’t shout about what we do enough.”