Rio Ferdinand
January 2026

Ferdinand says chronic back issues from his playing career can flare up suddenly and become so severe he needs hospital treatment and sometimes a wheelchair. He describes years of medication and injections during his career as contributing to ongoing problems. He says he has started regular physiotherapy and a more joined-up training approach, sharing information between physio and trainer to reduce flare-ups. He also frames staying active as important for family example-setting and his own mental balance.