Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has become a leading pundit with the BBC
Wayne Rooney has transitioned from being one of the most talented players of his generation to an emerging punditry career. In fact, Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer has made such an impression since moving into analysis that he has been chosen for the BBC’s coverage of this summer’s World Cup.
Following his retirement from playing, Rooney, 40, endured unsuccessful stints managing Plymouth Argyle and at Birmingham City, leading him to shift towards a career in punditry.
After joining the BBC in 2025, he rapidly adapted to life in the studio. Now a familiar presence on Match of the Day, Rooney will have the opportunity to shine for the Beeb in his most significant assignment yet, covering matches for the forthcoming tournament, which is being hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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Before that, however, he will be stationed at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on Saturday. MEN examines Rooney’s punditry journey to date.
Wayne Rooney’s tears during a live broadcast
Rooney revealed his emotional side when he was brought to the brink of tears on the BBC after his younger brother, John, orchestrated Macclesfield’s historic FA Cup triumph over Crystal Palace in January.
John was let go by Everton at the age of 12. He subsequently played for Chester, Wrexham, Stockport, Oldham and Macclesfield. He accepted his first managerial role with the Silkmen last summer before delivering one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time.
The emotion was evident in his older brother. As the siblings embraced at the final whistle, Rooney’s voice wavered as he told the BBC: “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.”
Wayne Rooney’s BBC salary
Rooney’s promising start in the punditry world has reportedly secured him a lucrative broadcasting agreement. Reports indicate the former Everton striker penned a two-year deal with the BBC valued at around £800,000 – positioning him amongst the corporation’s highest-paid football pundits on approximately £400,000 annually.
That remarkable sum puts him narrowly behind Match of the Day legend Alan Shearer. The ex-Newcastle United icon collected between £440,000 and £444,999 last year, according to BBC figures.
BBC executives were understood to be eager to secure Rooney following his impressive performance during Euro 2024, where his candid and perceptive commentary resonated with viewers.
The ex-England star already possesses a substantial bank balance, however. During his playing days, Rooney is reported to have earned in excess of £300,000 per week.
Factor in highly profitable sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports, and his overall fortune is estimated to be in the region of £127m, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
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