Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand in 2009, Jaggat / Shutterstock.coms

Birth Name: Rio Gavin Ferdinand

Place of Birth: Lambeth, London, England, U.K.

Date of Birth: 7 November, 1978

Ethnicity:
*father – African-Saint Lucian
*mother – Irish

Rio Ferdinand is a British professional footballer and television pundit. A centre-back, he played for West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth, Leeds United, Manchester United, and Queens Park Rangers, and the England national team.

Rio is the son of Janice (Lavender) and Julian Ferdinand. His father is of Saint Lucian descent. His mother is of Irish descent. The majority of the population of Saint Lucia are descendants of African slaves, with a minority made up of people of mixed Indian, European, and African descent. A picture of Rio’s father can be seen here.

Rio’s brother, Anton Ferdinand, is a professional footballer. Rio is also a cousin of Les Ferdinand, who was capped 17 times by the England national team, and of Kane Ferdinand, who represented Ireland at the youth level.

Rio is married to Kate Wright. He was previously married to Rebecca Ellison, until her death. He has three children with Rebecca, and a son with Kate.

Source: Family history of Rio Ferdinand – http://www.theguardian.com