Anton Ferdinand: Career, Family, Stats, and Personal Life

Anton Ferdinand, full name Anton Julian Ferdinand, is a retired English professional footballer best known for his role as a central defender in English and international football. Born on 18 February 1985 in Peckham, Greater London, Anton comes from a family deeply rooted in football, with his older brother, Rio Ferdinand, being one of the most renowned defenders in English football history. With a career spanning over 16 years, Anton has made his mark in clubs across England, Turkey, and Scotland while also representing England at youth levels. Beyond football, he has emerged as a media personality, speaker, and advocate against racism in sports.

Early Life and Family Background

Anton Ferdinand grew up in a football-loving household. His father, Julian Ferdinand, is from Saint Lucia, and his mother, Janice Lavender, has Irish roots. The Ferdinand family is famous in the footballing world: Anton’s older brother, Rio Ferdinand, captained England and had a successful career with Manchester United. His cousin Les Ferdinand is another celebrated footballer, and football clearly runs in the family’s veins.

From a young age, Anton was drawn to football, inspired by his brother and the strong football culture around him. He joined West Ham United’s youth academy at age nine, a step that would mark the beginning of his professional journey.

Football Career Overview

West Ham United (2003–2008)

Anton made his senior debut with West Ham United in 2003. Over five years, he became a reliable centre-back for the club, making approximately 138 league appearances and scoring 5 goals. His defensive skills, tactical awareness, and physical presence helped him establish a name for himself in the Premier League.

Sunderland AFC (2008–2011)

In 2008, Anton moved to Sunderland AFC, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive abilities. Across three seasons, he appeared in 85 league matches. Although he did not score any goals, his consistent performances contributed to Sunderland’s defensive stability.

Queens Park Rangers (2011–2013)

Anton joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2011, making 44 league appearances for the club. During this time, he was also loaned briefly to Bursaspor in Turkey, where he played 7 matches.

Antalyaspor (2013–2014)

Following his loan, Anton signed with Antalyaspor in Turkey. Despite playing only 3 matches, this experience added an international dimension to his career.

Reading F.C. (2014–2016)

Returning to England, Anton joined Reading F.C. and contributed to the team with 21 appearances over two seasons, reinforcing his role as a seasoned defender.

Southend United F.C. (2016–2018)

Anton moved to Southend United, where he found more consistent playing time. Over 65 matches, he scored 2 goals and became an experienced leader in the squad, mentoring younger players.

St Mirren F.C. (2018–2019)

Anton concluded his professional playing career with St Mirren in Scotland, appearing in 18 matches before retiring in 2019. His total career league appearances amounted to approximately 381 matches, with 7 goals scored across all clubs.

International Career

Anton Ferdinand represented England at multiple youth levels. He earned:

• 2 caps for England U18

• 4 caps for England U20

• 17 caps for England U21

Despite his success at youth levels, Anton never played for the senior England team. Nevertheless, his international youth experience helped him develop the skills and composure needed for top-tier professional football.

Personal Life and Children

Anton Ferdinand is married to Lucy, and the couple has three children:

• Flynn – born 10 August 2013

• Lilah – born 20 February 2017

• Farron – born 16 February 2022

His family life remains relatively private, but he occasionally shares moments and updates, reflecting his role as a dedicated father and husband.

Career Highlights and Stats

• West Ham United: 138 league appearances, 5 goals

• Sunderland AFC: 85 league appearances

• Queens Park Rangers: 44 league appearances

• Bursaspor (loan): 7 appearances

• Antalyaspor: 3 appearances

• Reading F.C.: 21 appearances

• Southend United F.C.: 65 appearances, 2 goals

• St Mirren F.C.: 18 appearances

• Total career: ~381 league appearances, 7 goals

Anton’s youth international caps for England:

• U18: 2 caps

• U20: 4 caps

• U21: 17 caps

He is remembered as a reliable and steady defender who brought experience and professionalism to every club he played for.

Notable Events and Advocacy

Anton Ferdinand is also recognized for his role in raising awareness about racial abuse in football. He was involved in a high-profile case where he was subjected to racial abuse by John Terry during a Premier League match. The incident sparked widespread discussions on racism in football, and Anton has since become an advocate for equality and inclusion in the sport.

Post-retirement, he has appeared in media projects, including a BBC One documentary titled “Anton Ferdinand: Football, Racism and Me”. He also participates in motivational speaking, mentoring, and charity work, supporting causes like Right To Play and DKMS blood-cancer charity.

Anton is set to appear as a contestant on Dancing on Ice 2025, highlighting his ongoing involvement in the public and entertainment sphere.

Age and Birthday

• Date of birth: 18 February 1985

• Age (as of November 2025): 40 years

• Zodiac sign: Aquarius

Anton Ferdinand continues to maintain an active lifestyle and engagement with football and media even after retirement.

Legacy and Impact

Anton Ferdinand may not have achieved the same fame as his brother Rio, but his career has been marked by dedication, resilience, and professionalism. He exemplifies a player who contributed significantly to his teams, helped mentor younger talent, and used his platform to address critical social issues in football. His post-retirement advocacy and media presence further solidify his impact beyond the pitch.

Whether as a player, father, or advocate, Anton Ferdinand’s life story provides inspiration and insight into the challenges and triumphs of professional athletes navigating their careers and personal lives.

Anton Ferdinand remains a respected figure in football, balancing his family, advocacy work, and public engagements with the same commitment he displayed on the field. For more updates and stories on influential sports personalities, visit Thejangoo.