Rio Ferdinand reveals regular hospital visits and wheelchair use due to severe back problems
Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand has spoken candidly about the long-term physical consequences of his playing days, admitting that persistent back issues sometimes prevent him from walking. The former defender, now 47, explained that intense flare-ups have forced him into hospital care and, at times, into a wheelchair — a harsh price for a career spent at the highest level.
The ex-England captain, who was a cornerstone of United’s defence for more than ten years, retired in 2015 after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Although he remains highly visible in the media, Ferdinand revealed that behind the scenes he is dealing with ongoing pain that can strike unexpectedly and leave him completely immobile.
Speaking to Men’s Health UK, Ferdinand shared how the injuries he carried during his career continue to affect him today. He explained that he relied heavily on medication and injections for several seasons just to be able to compete, a decision that has had lasting repercussions.
“I’ve struggled with my back for years,” Ferdinand said. “Some of the injuries I picked up during my career never really went away. For about six years I was taking tablets and having injections to get through matches, and that’s caught up with me. There are times when the pain is so bad that I end up in hospital for a few days or need to use a wheelchair. It comes on suddenly.”
Since moving to Dubai, Ferdinand says he has taken a more preventative approach to his health, working closely with a physiotherapist for the first time since retiring. He described a coordinated system involving both his physio and personal trainer, focused on long-term injury prevention rather than short-term fixes.
Leading by example for his children
Despite his physical limitations, Ferdinand is determined to stay active. He says going to the gym and maintaining a strong work routine is about more than fitness — it’s about showing his children the value of discipline and effort.
“My kids need to see what hard work looks like,” he explained. “They need to see me getting up and going to work, and see me and my wife Kate staying active. I want being healthy and moving your body to feel normal to them. I can’t just tell them — they need to see it.”
Ferdinand also admitted that staying busy is crucial for his own mental well-being, adding that a strong work ethic is something he inherited from his parents. “They were workers, grafters — that’s how I was raised. I want my kids to remember me as someone who worked hard, someone who hustled.”
A new chapter in Dubai
Ferdinand’s renewed focus on health comes alongside a major lifestyle change, following his recent move from the UK to Dubai. After years of living according to football schedules — first as a player and later as a pundit — he saw the relocation as a rare chance to embrace something different.
“I see it as an adventure,” he said. “My life has always revolved around fixture lists and work commitments. You don’t often get the chance to completely step out of your comfort zone and experience something new. This felt like the right moment, and we decided to go for it.”