Rio Ferdinand awarded OBE for activism and charity work

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been recognised in the platinum jubilee Queen’s birthday honours.

Ferdinand, 43, receives an OBE for his activism and charity work. He has won praise for his work on bereavement after losing his first wife, Rebecca, from breast cancer in 2015.

The former England international, who won 81 caps for his country, also uses his foundation to tackle inequality, racism and the stigma around mental health.

Other winners include Gareth Bale and James Milner, who picked up an MBE, along with England cricketer Moeen Ali.

Moreover, Tory MP Tracey Crouch gets a CBE for working on the fan-led review of football.

Ferdinand is not the first figure with a connection to United to receive an OBE, so Ferdinand joins a list of David Beckham, Garth Crooks, Ryan Giggs, Harry Gregg, Mark Hughes, Bryan Robson and Walter Smith.

Back in 2009, Ferdinand set up the Live the Dream foundation to help young people from deprived communities seeking careers in sports and entertainment. The website states: “We create opportunities and pathways for young people to achieve their potential, through sports, media, arts and education.

“Through our work, we empower young people to take control of their lives, become socially mobile and drive social change in their communities.”

As mentioned above, Ferdinand is also the patron of Child Bereavement UK.