WME Signs Soccer Icon Rio Ferdinand Across All Platforms
WME, the renowned talent agency, has recently welcomed retired English soccer legend Rio Ferdinand as a valued client, encompassing all areas of his professional endeavors.
A Multifaceted Media Career
Since concluding his illustrious playing career, Ferdinand has maintained a prominent presence in the media landscape, working as a broadcaster and television pundit. He notably covers high-profile tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League for Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports.
Capitalizing on World Cup Excitement
With the FIFA World Cup set to take place in North America in 2026, WME is targeting a variety of broadcasting, digital, and commercial opportunities for Ferdinand in the U.S. market. As anticipation builds for this monumental tournament, which will commence in June 2026, the excitement can be felt across the continent. This World Cup will be the first to feature a joint hosting arrangement involving 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key World Cup Details
The tournament will kick off in Mexico on June 11, 2026, with the climactic final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Ferdinand’s Legacy on the Field
As a prominent figure in the sport, Ferdinand made 81 appearances for the England national team, contributing to three FIFA World Cup squads and also serving as the team’s captain. His club career highlights include captaining Manchester United to a UEFA Champions League victory over FC Chelsea in 2008.
Expanding Digital Ventures
Beyond soccer, the 46-year-old Ferdinand has successfully ventured into digital content through his platform, Rio Ferdinand Presents, amassing nearly 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. Additionally, he boasts an impressive following of over 30 million across various social media platforms.
Award-Winning Documentary Maker
Ferdinand’s contributions to media were recognized in 2018 when he received the Robert Flaherty Award for Single Documentary at the BAFTA Television Awards for his poignant film, Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad. This documentary, created in memory of his late wife Rebecca Ellison, was featured on BBC One.
Film Production and Advocacy
His film ventures also include serving as an executive producer for the 2009 gangster movie Dead Man Running, starring Danny Dyer and 50 Cent. Ferdinand is also dedicated to advocating against crime, encouraging young individuals to pursue positive life choices.
Recognition for Contributions
In recognition of his impactful contributions to soccer and philanthropic efforts, Ferdinand was honored with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list in 2022. He will continue to be managed by New Era Ingenious.
With a blend of sports, broadcasting, and advocacy, Rio Ferdinand remains a transformative figure in both the soccer world and media, and his partnership with WME signals exciting opportunities ahead.