In a moment that has shaken both the football world and the hearts of fans across the UK, former Manchester United captain and beloved pundit Rio Ferdinand has announced that he will invest $20 million of his own fortune to build a “paradise” for homeless individuals in Manchester.
The announcement comes just days after Ferdinand confirmed his departure from TNT Sports, ending a long and influential broadcasting career. Rather than stepping away quietly, Ferdinand used the occasion to share a new mission — one that transcends sport.
“Manchester gave me everything,” Ferdinand said in a heartfelt video posted to Instagram. “Now it’s time to give something back — not to the game, but to the people forgotten by it. To those on the streets. To those society has turned away from. They deserve more.”
The initiative, named “Roots of Hope”, will be a sprawling community project featuring permanent housing, mental health care, job training centres, fitness facilities, educational programs, and safe spaces for families. It will be built in the heart of Manchester, a city Ferdinand called his “second home.”
The former England defender explained that the idea had been forming for years, but his decision to leave TNT Sports gave him the time and clarity to act on it.
“I’ve spent years analysing matches, tactics, managers… but I’ve also walked out of those stadiums and seen people sleeping on the pavement. It started to haunt me.”
Within minutes of posting the announcement, support flooded in from around the football community and beyond. Hashtags like #RioParadise and #RootsOfHope began trending worldwide, with fans praising Ferdinand for “changing the game in the most important way.”
Former teammate Gary Neville tweeted:
“A legend on the pitch. A hero off it. Proud of you, brother.”
Ferdinand says construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted by 2028. He also mentioned that he will personally be involved in the design and planning, ensuring that every element of Roots of Hope reflects “dignity, humanity, and the future.”
“I want people to feel loved again. I want them to wake up with purpose, not pain,” he said. “This is my legacy now.”
