Born in Peckham, Ferdinand signed for West Ham as a schoolboy, turning professional at the age of 17. He played 158 games for the Hammers before transferring to Leeds United in November 2000, with whom he reached the Champions League semi-final in 2001. Following his star performance in the 2002 World Cup, he joined Manchester United. He made his England debut in November 1997 and was one of the team's best performers in the 2006 World Cup. He has won 72 caps.
