Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has successfully moved into television punditry following the end of his playing and managerial career, quickly becoming a regular face on BBC football coverage.
The ex-England captain, who remains Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, has impressed viewers enough to earn a prominent role in the BBC’s coverage of this summer’s World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
After retiring from football, Rooney endured difficult managerial spells with Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle before turning his attention to media work. Since joining the BBC in 2025, the 40-year-old has become a familiar figure on Match of the Day and other major football broadcasts.
Before heading to the World Cup this summer, Rooney is expected to be part of the BBC’s coverage team for Saturday’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Rooney Became Emotional During Live FA Cup Coverage
One of Rooney’s most memorable moments as a pundit came earlier this year when he became emotional live on air following his younger brother John Rooney’s remarkable FA Cup success with Macclesfield.
John Rooney, who was released by Everton at the age of 12, went on to play for clubs including Chester, Wrexham, Stockport County, Oldham Athletic and Macclesfield. He took charge of Macclesfield last summer in his first managerial role and guided the club to a famous FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace in January.
The result represented one of the competition’s biggest recent shocks and left Wayne visibly emotional during the BBC broadcast.
After embracing his brother at full-time, Rooney admitted on air: “I’m actually getting emotional. To see my younger brother achieve this, he’s not long been in management.
“To get to the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat a Premier League team in Crystal Palace, I’m so proud of him. He looked calm – I don’t know how. It’s such an achievement what he’s done today. Absolutely superb.”
Rooney’s Reported BBC Deal
Rooney’s growing reputation as a pundit has reportedly earned him a highly valuable contract with the BBC.
Reports claim the former Everton and Manchester United forward signed a two-year agreement worth around £800,000, meaning he is believed to earn approximately £400,000 per year as part of the broadcaster’s football coverage team.
That figure would place Rooney among the BBC’s highest-paid football pundits, just behind former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer, who reportedly earned between £440,000 and £444,999 last year according to published BBC salary figures.
BBC executives are said to have been particularly impressed by Rooney’s performances during Euro 2024, where his honest and insightful analysis was well received by audiences.
Despite his recent broadcasting success, Rooney had already built considerable wealth during his football career. At his peak, the former striker reportedly earned more than £300,000 per week in wages, alongside major sponsorship deals with brands including Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rooney’s overall fortune is estimated to be around £127 million.
