Rio Ferdinand Next Job Odds: Ex-Pundit Could Follow In Ryan Reynolds' Footsteps

Rio Ferdinand may soon be looking to fill some free time after he quit TNT Sports following a 10-year stint at the broadcaster. 

The former Manchester United player-turned-pundit bowed out of working for the company after the recent Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.

The epic match was won 5-0 by the French giants, who were favourites on betting sites to clinch the trophy. 

Ahead of the final, Rio confirmed he would be stepping away from TNT, saying in a statement published on social media: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching 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.

"As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories.

"I am excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.

"I hope to stay connected with you all in different capacities.

"Thank you once again for everything!"

But what is next for the star?

Rio Off To Dubai? 

In April, it was reported that Rio - whose YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents has more than 1.3 million subscribers - and his wife Kate were "seriously considering" relocating to the Middle East, and had even begun a property search in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper at the time: "Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms.

"They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well."

The Middle East means a lot to the couple, after they met in Dubai in 2016 - when they were introduced by pals - and Rio popped the question to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later. 

Rio Ferdinand Next Job Odds

It's thought Rio and Kate - who own online platform Blended - could travel back and forth between the Middle East and the UK, depending on their work commitments, and Rio could even branch out overseas. 

The source added: "It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.

"As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East."

Following the speculation, Rio is just 11/8 on betting apps to become a pundit for Qatar-based beIN Sports, which is owned by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who Rio could've rubbed shoulders with at the Champions League final. 

Ferdinand Stateside 

But could a move to the US be on the horizon instead? 

During his time in Munich covering the Champions League final for TNT, Rio lent his football opinion to American broadcaster CNN.

A switch to CNN - which is 15/8 - could be particularly timely, especially with the US, Canada and Mexico set to host next year's World Cup. 

What's more, he could also have interest from CBS Sports (5/2), Paramount's US sports programming division, which former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has been linked to. 

Or, Rio could follow in the footsteps of his fellow former Manchester United defender Gary Neville and join NBC Sports (4/1).

The US speculation has also been fuelled recently after Ferdinand's management company, New Era, put pen to paper on a partnership deal with US-based talent agency WME. 

The company claims to be the "original advocate for the world’s most extraordinary artists, content creators, and talent across books, digital media, fashion, film, food, music, sports, television and theatre". 

Welcome To Rio 

WME also represent the likes of Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, who has become best known for buying Wrexham, alongside his pal and fellow actor Rob McElhenney. 

Since the pair took charge of the Welsh football club, Wrexham have won three consecutive promotions - a record in the top five leagues of English football - and they will head into the 2025/26 season in the second tier, just one promotion away from the dizzy heights of the Premier League. 

Rio knows all about life in the top flight, after winning six Premier League titles during his playing career with United. 

However, could he buy a football club next? 

He is just 6/4 to follow in Rob and Ryan's footsteps and acquire a football club, or an 8/1 longshot to follow them into acting. 

Rio would also be following the path of his former teammates Neville and David Beckham, who owns US-based football team Inter Miami.

The pair recently led an ownership group in acquiring English League Two side Salford City. 

But if Rio wants to get back into football on a daily basis then he could do far worse than join Manchester United's coaching staff (5/1). 

If they are on a lookout for a defensive coach - after conceding 54 goals last season, en route to a 15th place finish - then Rio could be their man. 

Despite this, Ferdinand has previously spoken about other interests away from football, saying on the Earn Your Leisure Podcast: "I want to be a success still, I’ve had a career that has been great for me but I want to be successful again.

"I have the drive and determination to better myself every day. I need something else that stands up alongside that [my career] at least."

The former England defender has previously told of his interest for tech start-ups - and he has been involved in the likes of DeliveryApp, Yonder, and Cifr.io - as well as social housing. 

But if New Era's partnership with WME is anything to go by, could Rio soon be executive producing a film? He's no stranger to doing so.

Alongside former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, Rio was an executive producer of Alex de Rakoff's movie Dead Man Running. 

The 2009 gangster film starred 50 Cent, Danny Dyer, Tamer Hassan and Vera actress Brenda Blethyn. 

Rio is just 10/1 to get back into the film game and executive produce a movie next, while he's a 20/1 outsider to become Mayor of Southwark, after he previously shot a documentary attempting to persuade Peckham youngsters to snub a life of crime. 

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.