Rio Ferdinand

Widely regarded to be one of the most prominent footballers in modern history, Rio Ferdinand took the sport by storm with England’s national team, playing from 1997 to 2011. The player turned pundit is the embodiment of determination, his commitment to success earning him the title of one of England’s greatest footballers. Audiences from far and wide flock to hear Rio’s anecdotes first-hand, as his insight into the winning mindset has transformative potential, making this influential speaker the perfect addition to corporate events. When booked as a special guest, audiences will be blown away by Rio’s celebrity status, ensuring the success of your event.

After showing immense promise as a child, Rio went on to cap 81 times for England. As the country’s second most capped Black footballers, he has played an integral role in increasing inclusivity in the sport, by highlighting examples of racism and inspiring diverse players to enter the pitch. Rio can share his experiences, supplying an emotive plea for inclusion at corporate events. While playing for England, he featured in several consecutive World Cup teams, including the 2002 Japan World Cup where he scored a hat trick. In 2008, Rio was appointed Captain of the national team, a position that he was defended in 2010 when he replaced John Terry, before his retirement in 2013.

As a defender, Rio is famed for his elegant style of play, which includes unique techniques and an unwavering balance. Regarding his leadership positions, he expressed an instinctive ability to guide his squad, a testament to Rio’s knowledge of high-performance teamwork. Aside from his career as a professional boxer, Rio has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, following the death of his partner. Retold in his books, Rio: My Story, Rio: My Decade as a Red, #2Sides: My Autobiography and Thinking Out Loud, his expression on such a sensitive topic is a reflection of Rio’s down to earth nature.

This award-winning athlete is an icon of football, making him one of the most sought-after speakers on the circuit. As a player, he earned the 1997 West Ham United Hammer of the Year, 2007 ESM Team of the Year, and was inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame in 2010 and the English Football Hall of Fame in 2016. A truly show-stopping individual, events attended by Rio are sure to resonate with audiences, ensuring that they never forget an evening with the England legend.