Overview
- The former England defender moved to Dubai with wife Kate and their children in August 2025, citing family time, lifestyle and schooling as the main reasons.
- In a radio interview, he argued people would accept tax more readily if core services were working well, questioning where public money is going.
- Coverage places his criticism in the context of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s roughly £40bn tax rises on businesses and higher earners, with some reports noting she has signaled a possible income tax increase this month.
- He left his TNT Sports punditry role earlier this year and said his Rio Ferdinand Foundation is doing work he believes government should prioritize for disadvantaged youth.
- Reports highlight the family’s home in Dubai’s Al Barari, estimate its value at about £6.5m, and note he is not paying UK tax while resident in the UAE, prompting commentary about whether some wealthy people may reconsider UK residency.