Stadiums in football are everything. From a pristine playing surface to an inspiring atmosphere, the right venue is vital to elevating the sport to the best version of itself.
As one of British football's greatest-ever players, Wayne Rooney knows all about the pressure of the game. Impressing home fans at Old Trafford for Manchester United, or travelling up and down England and winning tough away matches in pursuit of one of his five Premier League titles.
Having played in many of the most iconic stadiums in the world, there are few better placed to comment on the quality of the ground. And so, when Rooney was asked to name 'the best stadium' he ever played in, it was fascinating to hear he picked one as his favourite but named three others.
Rooney Loved Playing at England's Home Ground
"I think Wembley is incredible"
He was talking to fellow former Manchester United and England teammate Gary Neville on the Overlap in 2024 when the question was posed. Rooney replied:
"I'd have to say Wembley. I love Wembley."
Neville seemed somewhat surprised and actually admitted he didn't enjoy playing there as he felt he struggled to perform for England there. However, Rooney doubled down on his stance, explaining:
"I think Wembley is incredible. I know it's not the old Wembley, and it's not as iconic as that but [I loved playing there]."
Interestingly enough, with the new Wembley not opening until 2007, Rooney did not actually get to play at the famous ground until 2008. Perhaps this played a part in his adoration for the ground, having been made to wait around five years after his England debut to finally feature on the nation's home turf.
He scored on his first appearance in the stadium, too. In fact, when he netted in the 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifier vs Estonia, it was his first competitive international goal since 2004 as England.
Rooney Record at Wembley for England
Apperances
Wins
Draws
Defeats
Goals
Seeing as Rooney list just twice at Wembley in 37 appearances for England, it's little wonder he enjoyed playing there so much. A total of 18 goals in that period isn't a bad return either.
Wayne Rooney in action for Manchester United Related
Wayne Rooney Didn't Hesitate When Naming his Greatest Ever Teammate
He mentioned two names but gave the nod to one Man United legend.
Rooney also Enjoyed Playing in North London
Appreciated Arsenal and Spurs' stadiums
Everton's Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring against Arsenal
In the same conversation, Rooney would mention three other grounds he used to really enjoy playing in. Interestingly enough, they were all Premier League grounds based in north London:
"I like Arsenal's new one [the Emirates] as well. I used to love White Hart Lane and Highbury, these grounds."
Although he never played for a team in London, it is interesting that he always seemed to enjoy playing games in the English capital – be it for the Three Lions or on away trips with his club teams. Rooney had a fine record against Arsenal, scoring 15 goals and bagging 6 assists in 35 career outings vs the Gunners, while he also caused Tottenham Hotspur issues too with 11 goals and four assists in 22 games
Stats via Transfermarkt and National Football Teams