Anton Ferdinand

Anton Ferdinand is a former professional footballer and passionate advocate for equality and mental health in sport. With a distinguished playing career at West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, he now serves as first-team coach at Hornchurch whilst working as an ambassador and mentor, guiding young players through the challenges of professional football. His acclaimed BBC One documentary, Football, Racism and Me, sparked vital conversations with the FA, Premier League and government bodies about combating discrimination and online abuse. Anton empowers audiences to challenge prejudice, build resilience and create inclusive environments where talent can truly flourish.

During a distinguished playing career spanning over a decade, Anton Ferdinand represented some of England's most prominent clubs, including West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, before transitioning into coaching and ambassadorial roles that now shape the next generation of football talent. In 2024, he took on a new challenge entirely, competing on ITV's Dancing on Ice, demonstrating the resilience and determination that defined his years as a professional centre back. Today, Anton serves as first-team coach at National League side Hornchurch whilst continuing his work as a West Ham United ambassador, providing mentorship and guidance to young players navigating the pressures and opportunities of professional football.

Anton's credibility extends far beyond the pitch. His November 2020 BBC One documentary, Anton Ferdinand: Football, Racism and Me, examined the profound impact of racism within football and sparked essential conversations across the sport. The documentary led to meaningful dialogue with the Football Association, the Professional Footballers' Association, the Premier League and Kick It Out, as well as engagement with social media companies and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to address online abuse. His regular media appearances for Sky Sports, BT Sport and TalkSPORT further amplify his voice on critical issues affecting modern football, whilst his grassroots football initiatives reflect a deep commitment to making the game accessible and inclusive at every level. Anton's experience representing England at under-21 level and playing over 130 matches for West Ham gives him an authentic perspective that resonates with players, organisations and audiences alike.

Anton empowers audiences to confront difficult conversations about equality, mental health and discrimination with honesty and courage. He helps organisations understand the real-world impact of racism and online abuse, equipping them with practical strategies to create genuinely inclusive environments where talent can flourish regardless of background. Through his speaking engagements, Anton challenges audiences to move beyond performative gestures towards meaningful action, drawing on personal experience to illustrate how resilience, support systems and open dialogue can transform workplace culture. His ability to connect lived experience with actionable solutions ensures that audiences leave not just inspired but equipped to drive lasting change within their own teams and communities.