Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz, 17, signs with New Era, joining his dad and uncle Anton at sports agency – as stepmum Kate beams and declares that she is ‘forever proud’ of the Brighton keeper
- The 17-year-old goalkeeper signed for Brighton Under-18 in the summer of 2022
- Ferdinand has played eighteen games for the juniors in the competition this year
- IAN LADYMAN and CHRIS SUTTON have their say on the Premier League Player of the Year – Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Rio Ferdinand’s eldest son Lorenz has signed with New Era Global Sports Management, joining his father and uncle Anton at the agency.
The 17-year-old signed for Brighton in 2022 as an under-18s goalkeeper and has made 18 appearances for the Seagulls junior team this season.
New Era’s current Premier League clients include Everton defenders Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane and Jacob Murphy.
In addition to current stars, the agency also represents the interests of Ferdinand, Mick McCarthy, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Savage.
Lorenz announced the news with a Instagram post on Thursday, with images of himself with company executives, as well as a photo with his father and stepmother Kate.
Lorenz Ferdinand (in the photo next to father Rio and stepmother Kate) has signed with sports agency New Era
The 17-year-old was part of Brighton’s Under-18s in 2022 and has made 18 appearances this season
The teenager aims to become the fourth member of the Ferdinand family to play professionally
His uncle Anton was among those who congratulated the teenager, writing: “Welcome to the work family.”
The former West Ham and QPR defender is listed as an ambassador and mentor on the company’s website – the same position he holds within the organization as Rio.
New Era was founded in 2007 by former professional footballers Jamie Moralee and Peter Smith.
Kate Ferdinand was also quick to praise the rising star, saying: “Forever proud.”
The former TOWIE star, 32, revealed last year that Lorenz had left the nest and was living with another family after signing with the Seagulls.
She and Rio admitted it was very emotional when the teen moved away, but insisted they felt proud when the family he lived with praised his manners.
Kate said on her Blended podcast: ‘I was devastated when he moved out. It’s really something big, I was emotional. I miss him so much. We still see him twice a week, but it takes some getting used to.’
Former West Ham and QPR defender and Lorenz’s uncle Anton was among those to congratulate the teenager on the deal
The couple welcomed the birth of their first child, Shae, last July. In addition, Rio is father of Tate (15) and Tia (12), while Kate is also mother of three-year-old son Cree
Lorenz has a tough ask to copy his father’s achievements in the game, which include – among others – winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Lorenz has the unenviable task of following his father’s stellar playing career, which included six Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and 81 caps for England.
In addition to Lorenz, Rio has son Tate, 15, and daughter Tia, 12, from his marriage to his late wife Rebecca.
Rebecca Ellison tragically died of breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 35.
Kate is also mom to three-year-old son Cree and daughter Shae, whom she and Rio welcomed last July.