Manchester United and England icon Rio Ferdinand has opened up about his family's life in Dubai after his wife Kate admitted she is feeling homesick. The couple, along with their children, relocated from London to the region last summer, but recent geopolitical tensions forced them to temporarily flee their £6.5 million residence earlier this year.
Family's Escape and Return
The Ferdinand family sought refuge in Portugal, London, and the Maldives after sheltering in the basement of their Dubai home following Iranian missile strikes in the Middle East. They have since returned to Dubai, and Rio offered an insight into their current life in the Arab state.
Speaking to The Times, he said: "My kids are having a real-life adventure in Dubai. My eldest daughter is 14. She loves that she's got a bit more freedom here than she would have had in London. My five-year-old boy likes that he gets to play more football. The kids are absolutely loving the outdoor-living aspect."
Rio and Kate have two children together, Cree and Shae, while Rio also has children Lorenz, Tate, and Tia from his marriage to his late wife, Rebecca Ellison.
Kate's Homesickness and UK Plans
Despite their reported love for life away from the UK, a source close to Kate claimed she remains uncertain about the region due to the ongoing threat from the USA and Israel's joint military offensive across the Middle East. An insider told Heat: "While he is thrilled to be back in Dubai, Kate is putting on a brave face. She feels she's going through the motions at the moment. Rio has assured her it's now safe, but she is still scared."
The report also suggests Kate will head back to the UK for the summer and may spend time in Portugal while Rio works in the United States for the World Cup. Speaking on her Blended podcast in February, Kate broke down in tears, admitting she has "struggled" living in Dubai. "I am enjoying it, but I miss home quite a lot," she said. "I can't talk about it because I get upset. I feel like we've opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London."
An insider claimed to the Mirror in February: "She's struggling. She's really missing home. She's not enjoying it. And even though she's got the kids and Rio there, she's homesick. It's just not home."
Rio's Career and World Cup Plans
After retiring from football in 2015, six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand became a pundit for TNT Sports. He left that role in summer 2025 to focus on his personal life and run his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents. He has also been part of the BBC's World Cup coverage team since 2014, but this year he plans to attend the tournament in North America as a fan. He told The Times: "This World Cup is the first time I am going to a tournament as a fan. I'm looking forward to being able to take it in. I'm staying in an Airbnb for the whole tournament with my mates, which is going to be unreal."
