Anton Ferdinand and His Brother Rio: A Tale of Sibling Support and Shared Passion

Harper

Anton Ferdinand, a former professional footballer turned Dancing on Ice contestant, has taken on a new challenge in the public eye. At 39 years old, Anton is embracing a fresh phase of his life, trading football boots for skates in the upcoming season of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.

Among his biggest supporters is none other than his older brother, Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United legend and football icon in his own right. The bond between the Ferdinand brothers has been a cornerstone of their personal and professional journeys, and Anton’s latest venture on the ice has only brought them closer.

Anton and Rio: The Sibling Duo from Peckham

Anton Ferdinand, born on February 18, 1985, grew up in a large and close-knit family in Peckham, South London. Football was a shared passion for the Ferdinand siblings, and it’s no surprise that Anton followed in Rio’s footsteps.

Rio Ferdinand, seven years older than Anton, was born on November 7, 1978, and is now 46 years old. The brothers share a rich football legacy that began in the streets of Peckham and eventually saw both of them rise to prominence in the Premier League. While Rio achieved legendary status at Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, Anton carved out his own successful career at clubs like West Ham United, Sunderland, and Queens Park Rangers.

The two brothers are part of a footballing family that includes their cousin Les Ferdinand, another England international and Premier League legend. Together, they’ve built a legacy that extends beyond the pitch, inspiring a new generation of footballers.

Rio’s Support for Anton’s Dancing on Ice Journey

As Anton gears up for his stint on Dancing on Ice, Rio has proven to be a supportive big brother. In a recent interview, Anton revealed that Rio was one of the first family members to ask about tickets for the live shows. The elder Ferdinand’s enthusiasm for Anton’s new challenge highlights the bond they share, even as their careers take them in different directions.

Anton, who has seven siblings, shared that his entire family is buzzing with excitement about his appearance on the show. He joked that he might not have enough tickets to accommodate everyone, but it’s clear that Rio’s request holds special significance.

Anton’s Motivations: Family and Personal Growth

Anton has been open about his reasons for taking on Dancing on Ice, citing the challenge and structure it brings to his post-football life. Having retired from professional football, Anton admitted that transitioning away from the sport has been difficult.

One of his main motivators is his daughter, who loves performing arts and is thrilled to see her dad take on this new venture. Anton said, “She’s beside herself and excited about the live shows,” making this experience a way to bond with his family while stepping out of his comfort zone.

A Shared Competitive Spirit

Both Anton and Rio are known for their fierce competitive spirit. Rio’s illustrious football career was marked by his tenacity and leadership on the pitch, qualities that made him a key figure at Manchester United for over a decade. Anton, too, has carried that same determination throughout his career and into his new journey on Dancing on Ice.

Anton admitted that his biggest fear is failure, saying, “I’m my biggest competition.” His honesty about his nerves and his limited experience on the ice only adds to the charm of his journey. However, his willingness to embrace the unknown and learn a new skill mirrors the resilience that has defined the Ferdinand brothers’ careers.

The Legacy of the Ferdinand Brothers

While their careers have taken different paths, Anton and Rio Ferdinand remain a testament to the power of family support. Rio has transitioned into a successful career as a pundit and advocate for mental health and social issues, while Anton is exploring new opportunities in television and beyond.

Their mutual respect and admiration were evident when Anton made history alongside Rio in January 2006. They became the first siblings to win the Premier League Player of the Month award, with Rio earning the honor first, followed by Anton. This shared milestone was a proud moment for the brothers and a reminder of their individual and collective achievements.

Anton’s Net Worth and Personal Life

As of 2025, Anton Ferdinand’s net worth is estimated at around £5 million, earned through his football career and subsequent ventures. Rio, with his illustrious career at Manchester United and numerous endorsements, boasts a much higher net worth of around £75 million.

Anton has been married to Lucy Ferdinand since 2016, and the couple shares three children. His focus on family and personal growth is evident in his decision to take on Dancing on Ice, not just for himself but also as a way to connect with his loved ones.

A Journey Worth Watching

Anton Ferdinand’s foray into Dancing on Ice is more than just a television appearance—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a way to bond with his family, and a testament to stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

With Rio Ferdinand cheering him on from the sidelines, Anton has the support of not just his family but also fans who admire his courage and determination. As he takes to the ice, Anton continues to prove that the Ferdinand legacy is about more than just football—it’s about resilience, family, and embracing life’s challenges head-on.

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