Former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping down from his punditry role at TNT Sports following this weekend’s UEFA Champions League Final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in Munich. The occasion will mark the end of a significant chapter in Ferdinand’s post-playing career, bringing to a close ten years as one of football broadcasting’s most familiar and respected voices.
Ferdinand, 46, joined the network in 2015 when it was still operating under the BT Sport banner. Over the past decade, he has become a mainstay of football coverage in the UK, renowned for his sharp analysis, candid opinions, and commanding on-screen presence. His work has spanned major domestic and international competitions, earning him a loyal following among football fans.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Ferdinand has contributed to coverage of countless high-profile fixtures, from Premier League derbies to Champions League showdowns and Europa League finals. Most recently, he was part of TNT Sports’ team covering the Europa League Final in Bilbao between Manchester United and Spurs, a fitting reminder of his deep roots in both clubs and European football.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Ferdinand reflected on his decade with the network and offered insight into his decision to move on.
“After 10 incredible years, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League Final,” he wrote. “Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege to speak about the game I love and share my passion with fans across the UK and beyond.
Rio Ferdinand to Step Away from TNT Sports After a Decade of Punditry
He went on to express sincere gratitude to the production staff and colleagues who supported him throughout his media journey. “The people behind the scenes have helped make this experience what it was. Their dedication and hard work often go unseen, but it’s been crucial to everything we’ve accomplished together. I’ve been lucky to travel across Europe, see world-class players, and be part of unforgettable moments.”
Ferdinand’s decision to step back comes at a time when he is looking to refocus on personal projects, family life, and growing business interests. He plans to invest more time into his digital brand, Rio Ferdinand Presents, as well as other ventures that have flourished alongside his media work.
“I want to thank my family and my management at New Era for their constant support,” he added. “This isn’t goodbye forever. I hope to stay engaged with fans and the sport I love in new ways, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
TNT Sports insiders have confirmed that Ferdinand’s departure is entirely his own decision and that the network would welcome him back in the future, whether as a guest or in a more regular capacity. His legacy at TNT is secure, and the door remains open should he wish to return.
Ferdinand’s exit also follows a recent health scare that saw him hospitalised with a severe viral illness, which forced him to miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG. Describing the illness as “crazy,” he revealed it left him severely unwell, but he has since recovered and appears energized by the prospect of new beginnings.
Having earned 81 caps for England and won six Premier League titles with Manchester United, Ferdinand was already a household name before entering the world of football punditry. His transition from the pitch to the studio was seamless, and over the past decade, he has helped shape public conversation around the sport with his unique blend of expertise and personality.
As fans gear up for Saturday’s Champions League Final in Munich, the event will also serve as a poignant farewell to one of football media’s most respected voices. Rio Ferdinand’s departure from TNT Sports marks the end of an era — and the start of an exciting new chapter for the former England star.
