IN the world of football Rio Ferdinand is known as a sporting legend.
After forging a successful career on the pitch, the former Manchester United star has now made his mark off the pitch as a football pundit.
Rio Ferdinand is a former football player and TV punditReuters
How old is Rio Ferdinand?
Rio Ferdinand, born November 7, 1978 is a former professional footballer and sports pundit.
He celebrated his 44th birthday last month.
Over a 14-year international career, Ferdinand made 81 appearances for his country and was appointed the national team captain in 2010.
1996-2000 – West Ham
1996-97 – Bournemouth (loan)
2000-2002 – Leeds
2002-2014 – Manchester United
2014-2015 – Queens Park Rangers
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When did Rio Ferdinand become a football pundit?
After leaving his mark on the world of football, Rio returned to the sport in 2015 – but this time as a football pundit.
In 2015, he joined BT Sport as a pundit for their coverage of the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
He is now a permanent fixture, providing his expert football opinion and analysis on a number of fixtures.
Is Rio Ferdinand married and how many children does he have?
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Rio shares one child with his wife Kate – a son named Cree who was born in December 2020.
In 2022, Rio and Kate announced the loss of their second unborn child, which left the couple feeling “devastated and heartbroken”.
He also shares three children from his former relationship with his first wife Rebecca Ellison – Lorenz, Tate and Tia.
Rebecca tragically passed away after a battle with breast cancer on May 2 2015, aged just 34.
They had been married since 2009.
In a statement he released to announce the news, Ferdinand said: “My soul mate slipped away last night.
“Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.”