Just a few hours ago, Rio Ferdinand announced through an Instagram post that he is leaving TNT Sports after 10 years with them. The UEFA Champions League Final, which is scheduled on 31st May, will be his last appearance on TNT Sports.
Rio Ferdinand is a former England defender who spent the majority of his career with the Red Devils, Manchester United. In the 12 years at Manchester United, he won six Premier League titles and also the UEFA Champions League in the 2008-2008 season. He also featured for the England National Team 81 times. Rio Ferdinand is one of the most decorated English players of all time.
He started his punditry career with BT Sport. In 2015, Rio Ferdinand joined TNT Sports and is one of the most prominent and important faces for them.
Statement: After ten incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from @tntsports after the Champions League Final…. pic.twitter.com/71A9EJPBye
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 28, 2025
Why is Rio Ferdinand leaving TNT Sports?
This is what Rio Ferdinand said in his Instagram post –
After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final. Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sport and TNT Sports. I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.
Rio Ferdinand’s punditry journey started when he was playing for Manchester United. First, he was with BT Sport, and after two years, he joined TNT Sports.
In the year 2023, the rebranding of TNT Sports happened, and from that time, Rio Ferdinand, along with the other former footballers Peter Crouch and Joe Cole, became their main man. Over the years, Rio has been criticized by football fans for his favoritism for his former club, Manchester United.
Rio Ferdinand features as one of the main pundits in the big European games. His understanding and reading of the game from the outside is just so perfect.
He also mentioned in the post that he wants to spend more time with his family and focus on his multi-platform company, Rio Ferdinand Presents, and his other business ventures. His company, Rio Ferdinand Presents, has done several podcasts with some of the big names in Europe, as well as former players and managers.
Some of the guests featured in the podcast are Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Yaya Toure, Ryan Giggs, and Jose Mourinho.
