London Football Icons: Rio Ferdinand

From West Ham prodigy to Manchester United legend

Rio Ferdinand’s football journey began in the youth ranks of several clubs before he settled at West Ham United.

Author - Josh D

Source | Medietaextra YouTube

At West Ham, he developed into one of England’s brightest defensive talents. Making his Premier League debut in 1996, he quickly became a fan favourite at Upton Park, winning the Hammer of the Year award the following season.

During his time at West Ham, he played with Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. These were all players that would go onto have fantastic careers in the Premier League. However, they would all leave the club at various points.

READ MORE: Learn about icons of the game with European Super Football

This rapid rise earned him a senior England cap against Cameroon in 1997, making him the youngest defender to play for the Three Lions at the time.

Moves to Leeds and Manchester 

His performances caught the eye of Leeds United, who smashed the British transfer record to sign him for £18 million. Ferdinand spent two seasons at Elland Road, becoming club captain in 2001, before Manchester United came calling. 

In July 2002, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side broke the bank again, splashing £30 million to bring him to Old Trafford. This made him the world’s most expensive defender for a second time.

READ MORE: A closer look at the career of Teddy Sheringham

Ferdinand hit the ground running at United, lifting the Premier League title in his debut season. However, a setback followed in 2003 when he missed a drugs test, resulting in an eight-month ban that ruled him out of Euro 2004 and Manchester United’s FA Cup-winning campaign.

Once back, he cemented himself as one of the best defenders in the game, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year four times in five seasons. 

Success continued, with United reclaiming the Premier League in 2006-07 before clinching a famous league and Champions League double the following year. 

Ferdinand with fellow ex West Ham player Michael Carrick
Rio Ferdinand ~ Manchester United
Source | Paul Flickr

By the time he left Old Trafford in 2014, Ferdinand had won six Premier League titles and 14 major trophies, securing his place as a United legend.

Returning to London

His final season came at Queens Park Rangers, but after their relegation, he decided to hang up his boots on 30 May 2015, bringing an end to a glittering career at the highest level. Unfortunately, his career endeded on a low note as QPR were relegated from the Premier League.

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