Rio Ferdinand is known for speaking his mind both on and off the pitch, and this time, the former Manchester United star has sparked debate after sharing his honest thoughts about the UK tax system — and why more people might be packing up and leaving.
The football legend and his wife, Kate, made headlines earlier this year when they relocated their family to Dubai.
While the move initially seemed to be about lifestyle and new opportunities, Rio has now given more insight into the decision — and it’s got a lot to do with how he feels about life back home.
Frustration Over Taxes and the State of the UK
Speaking on LBC Radio, the 46-year-old opened up about the growing number of people leaving the UK and questioned whether high taxes are truly benefiting the public.
He didn’t hold back, saying:
“If things like the health service were absolutely flying and working perfectly well, then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
But when there are things falling apart, I sit there and think, we pay tax — is it really going towards the things that help the people living here?”
Rio pointed out that he believes many people already know the answer to that question, hinting that frustration with how money is spent might be pushing some to move abroad.
His comments come after Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced £40 billion in tax rises in her 2024 Budget — targeting businesses and the wealthy, and increasing capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and VAT on private schools.
Life in Dubai Feels Like a “Refreshing New Chapter”
Although Ferdinand didn’t directly blame taxes for his family’s relocation, he admitted that life in Dubai has allowed him to spend more quality time with his loved ones — something he truly values after years of living by football’s hectic schedule.
“My family are seeing me so much more now,” he said.
“I love England and I’m patriotic, but this new chapter feels refreshing.
It’s something different, and I’m really enjoying it.”
He described the move as not being about just one reason but a combination of factors that made sense for his family’s lifestyle and future.
A Decision Years in the Making
Rio first visited Dubai again during the Global Soccer Awards at Christmas and said the experience opened his eyes to a new way of life.
“I hadn’t been properly for about seven or eight years,” he told The National.
“We spent time with some of Kate’s friends who live there, and I saw a different side to it.
I also have a business there, Football Escapes.”
He added that he felt the overall atmosphere was more positive and vibrant — especially for families and children.
“In Dubai, people seem valued. There’s a great energy, good weather, safety, and a happy lifestyle for the kids. It just felt right.”
Moving Away From a Life Controlled by Football
After retiring from professional football, Ferdinand spent over a decade working in sports broadcasting with TNT Sports.
But now, he says it feels good to no longer have his life dictated by match schedules and fixture lists.
“It’s been about 30 years of living by football fixtures,” he reflected.
“Now, it’s different. I’m not leaving football, but it’s not the thing that controls my life anymore — and that actually feels nice.”
Education and Family Were Key to the Move
One of the biggest factors behind the move, Rio said, was his children’s education.
He and Kate share two young kids — four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae — while Kate is also stepmother to Rio’s three teenage children from his late wife, Rebecca Ellison: Lorenz, Tate, and Tia.
Lorenz and Tate still live in England as they’re both in Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth setup, but Rio said the decision to move came after visiting Dubai schools earlier this year.
“We went back in February to look at schools, just in case,” he said.
“That really made me think about it. The education system felt different — better for my kids.
The curriculum is still British, but it’s taught in a new way.”
He also sympathized with teachers in the UK, saying they seem “undervalued and underpaid” compared to those abroad.
“It just felt like the right time,” he added.
“For the younger ones, it’s perfect timing, and for the older kids, it works well with their GCSE years. Everything just lined up.”
A New Life, but Still a Love for Home
Despite settling happily into life in Dubai, Rio was quick to emphasize that he still has deep affection for England.
“I love my country,” he said. “But this is a new chapter — one that’s good for me and my family.
And right now, it feels like the right move.”
For Ferdinand, it’s clear that this change wasn’t just about taxes or sunshine — it’s about balance, family, and finally taking control of his own time after decades of living life according to football’s demands.