Kai Rooney is aiming to emulate his dad Wayne's career at Manchester United, but this will come with some challenges. The 16-year-old is advancing through the ranks of the academy at Old Trafford and has already made two appearances for the U18s, scoring one goal.
However, the teenager has been forced to deal with various issues during his early career due to Wayne's fame. The retired United star was an icon of English football, winning many major honours during his time and shining for his country during countless international tournaments. Living up to the Rooney name will be an extreme task for Kai, but he is already shining, albeit not on the same stage as his father just yet.
Here, Express Football details just a few of the hurdles Kai has overcome during his time with United, including a ban for his famous footballer father.
Wayne Rooney exiled from United
Kai banned his own dad from watching his matches due to the sheer amount of attention he attracted on the sidelines. The club didn't put this exile in place, but instead allowed the teenager to let his dad know he won't be watching his games, as fans spent more time asking for photographs rather than watching the team play.
Kai's mum, Coleen, revealed the ban during her time on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2024. The 39-year-old highlighted the struggles the family faced due to Wayne's fame both on and off the pitch.
She said: "That's the thing with kids I think, it's hard to go on days out. Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games, when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn't even watch the game.
"How do you say to all of these kids, 'Go away, I'm watching my son?' Adults, it's different, you could speak to them, so he just said, 'Oh, dad there's no point you coming because you don't even watch me play anyway.' Which is sad, but it can't be helped anyway. At the same time, the fans help you along the way and get you where you are."
Kai's Man United ban
Despite being the son of a United icon, Kai gets no special treatment from the club - and that includes its historic academy rules. The teenager signed a contract with Puma in 2022 when he was just 12 years old to wear their boots, but he was not allowed to during U16s games.
"All the academy have to wear the same boots. They do it because there’s people from areas where they can’t afford certain boots so I think it’s really good. But he’s played for the U18s a few times and he can then wear his Puma boots. He’s doing well to be fair to him."
Kai being treated equally among his colleagues in the academy is pleasing to Wayne, as it sets a good example for the rising star before he takes on the world of top-flight football in the future. A recent injury has scuppered the young forward's chance to make an immediate impact, but he has since returned to the side and is aiming for stardom.
In a recent interview with The Talent Hunter on Instagram, Kai was clear about his plans for the future. When asked where he would be in five years' time, he said: "Playing on the biggest stage amongst the best players, winning trophies."