The Manchester United legend has become one of the BBC's go-to pundits for the World Cup
Wayne Rooney reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Parc des Princes on April 28, 2026 in Paris, France
Wayne Rooney has gone from strength-to-strength as a BBC pundit(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney never experienced much fortune at the FIFA World Cup, netting just once in 11 outings for England across three tournaments. Yet the former Three Lions skipper has effortlessly transitioned into his new position on football's grandest platform, establishing himself as one of the BBC's preferred analysts for major matches in North America this summer.
Following his retirement in 2021, Rooney ventured into management with Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle before shifting his focus towards a broadcasting career. The 40-year-old made a strong impression during his punditry debut at Euro 2024 and subsequently secured a lucrative contract to become a regular presence on Match of the Day and the BBC's coverage of major competitions.
Since then, Rooney has earned considerable praise for his forthright commentary and astute tactical observations.
Relationship with Ghana manager
England's World Cup encounter against Ghana on Tuesday will offer a trip down memory lane for Rooney, with a highly recognisable figure poised to stand in the opposing technical area. Black Stars manager Carlos Queiroz worked as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during two periods at Manchester United, the second coinciding with Rooney's £25 million transfer from boyhood club Everton in 2004.
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz served as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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The duo collaborated closely for four years before Queiroz left Old Trafford to assume control of the Portugal national side. Throughout that period, the highly-regarded coach frequently heaped praise on Rooney and was instrumental in helping the young forward evolve into one of the Premier League's most formidable attackers.
Hefty BBC salary
At the height of his career at Manchester United, Rooney reportedly commanded a salary exceeding £300,000 per week. While his broadcasting work hasn't quite matched those astronomical earnings, the former Everton forward has continued to accumulate substantial income.
Last year, Rooney secured a two-year contract with the BBC valued at a reported £800,000, positioning him amongst the broadcaster's most handsomely-compensated analysts. The substantial deal has contributed to his already considerable wealth, with Rooney's net worth estimated at approximately £130 million.
Fans praise new look
Wayne Rooney was analysing Cristiano Ronaldo
BBC viewers praised Rooney for his fresh look during World Cup coverage last week(Image: BBC)
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Numerous BBC viewers flocked to social media to commend Rooney's appearance last week following his debut television slot for this summer's World Cup from the broadcaster's Salford studio. Dressed in a sharp black polo shirt, supporters noted that 'Wazza' appeared noticeably more toned as he analysed France's opening group victory against Senegal alongside fellow analysts Olivier Giroud and Gael Clichy.
Several observers also noted that Rooney had swapped the grey beard he has frequently worn in recent years for a clean-shaven appearance. The fresh new look came just days after he enjoyed a well-earned break with wife Coleen to mark the couple's 18th wedding anniversary.