Rio Ferdinand’s son, Tate, signs first pro deal with Premier League club

Rio Ferdinand’s son, Tate, has signed his first professional contract with Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

It follows his oldest son, Lorenz, doing the exact same thing a year ago.

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Tate, who is 17 years old, is a centre-back, just like his dad.

His other son is a goalkeeper, so they’ll likely be playing together at some point in the near future for one of Brighton’s youth sides.

In a post on Instagram, Ferdinand revealed the news and just how proud he was.

He said: “Proud moment with the family, my boy @tateferdinand5 signed his first pro contract @officialbhafc.

“Keep up the hard work.”

Tate became an official part of the Brighton Under-18s squad in 2024.

They are the only club that he has played for in his career so far, though, he is yet to appear for the club’s Under-21s and make his Premier League 2 debut.

In the replies, loads of Manchester United legends and Ferdinand’s former teammates sent their congratulations.

Edwin van der Saar said: “All the best, Tate.”

Joleon Lescott, who was an England international with Ferdinand, said: “Sick.”

Tate’s career and play style

Unlike his older brother, Tate is very much in the mould of his dad. He is a centre-back and also wears the number five jersey.

Rio was a leader when he was at Manchester United, and Tate has been described as being the same.

But he was also excellent on the ball, and after a game late in October last year, people at the match believe he was just like his father.

However, his manager, Bjorn Hamberg believes the attention is water off a duck’s back.

He said: “I am sure he doesn’t care about that (attention).

“Tate Ferdinand is Tate Ferdinand and he needs to be play his game and have his pathway and career.

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“For us as a team, for the under-18s as a captain, he is a big voice in our dressing room.

“He is obviously a leader in the back line and playing very well for the moment. I am really pleased for him as well.”

Brothers in arms

Tate and Lorenz are now both professionals with Brighton, and Rio will be hoping the future is very bright for both of them.

There are only two years separating the siblings as well, so it’s possible we’ll see double Ferdinand in the Brighton first team one day.

But as Rio said in his post, this is actually where the hard work starts.