Rio Ferdinand announces new role after TNT Sports exit
Rio Ferdinand announced he was leaving TNT Sports at the end of the 2024/25 season after a decade with the broadcaster, but the ex-Manchester United ace has wasted no time in finding his next role
Rio Ferdinand has announced his new role in Thailand after quitting TNT Sports. The Manchester United legend's last match with the broadcaster was the 2025 Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, capping off a 10-year partnership.
But it hasn't taken the 46-year-old long to find a new job, with the former defender taking to social media to tell his 11.6million X followers about his latest endeavour. Ferdinand wrote: 'Next stop, Bangkok… I'm heading to the EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival Bangkok — where passion, skill, and football culture collide!'
The event is described as a gathering of "the best FC Mobile competitors from across Asia and the Middle East, global football icons, top influencers'. It will see passionate fans unite for the EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival, Bangkok — a two-day event presented by Visa, happening June 14–15 at BCC Hall, Central Ladprao in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was reported previously that Ferdinand had rejected a contract extension at TNT Sports, which suggested that the split between the two parties was amicable and that he wasn't forced out.
Reflecting on his departure from the broadcaster, 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.'
Away from his role as a football pundit, Ferdinand has a variety of business ventures. He boasts a YouTube channel with an impressive 1.32m subscribers and a clothing line named FIVE in collaboration with retail giant Sports Direct.
He also has a management company, New Era, which has signed a partnership with Beverly Hills-based talent agency giants William Morris Endeavor (WME).
There's also speculation that a move to Dubai could be on the cards for Ferdinand and his wife Kate, who he met while on holiday in 2016.
Reports suggest the couple has scoped out properties and schools in the United Arab Emirates. They have two young daughters with each other, while Rio has three children from his previous marriage.
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