Rio Ferdinand Player Career Award OP7

One of the finest centre-halves of his generation, Ferdinand was a world-class defender who revolutionised the role thanks to his exceptional ball-playing ability, combined with pace, tactical nous, and steely determination.

He cut his teeth at West Ham United under the tutelage of Harry Redknapp, making his Premier League bow in 1996. After a successful stint at Leeds United, he completed a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2002 for a record-breaking fee, smashing the British transfer record for a defender at the time.

During his illustrious spell at Old Trafford, Ferdinand clinched six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, three League Cups and a Club World Cup, racking up an impressive 455 appearances over 12 seasons.

On the international stage, he earned 81 caps for the Three Lions and featured in three World Cup campaigns. In 2014, after a brief spell at Queens Park Rangers, he hung up his boots, leaving behind a lasting legacy in English football.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game, Ferdinand was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.