Wayne Rooney, born on October 24, 1985, in Croxteth, Liverpool, England, is a renowned British footballer and coach. Known for his remarkable career as a forward and attacking midfielder, Rooney has made significant contributions to the sport. As of 2024, Wayne Rooney has an estimated net worth of $170 million. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned an annual salary of $26 million at his peak and garnered numerous accolades, including Premier League Player of the Season and FIFA Club World Cup Most Valuable Player of the Final.
Early Life and Background
Wayne Mark Rooney grew up in a Roman Catholic household with his parents, Jeanette and Thomas Rooney, and his younger brothers, Graham and John. He attended Our Lady and St Swithin’s and later De La Salle School. From a young age, Rooney displayed a prodigious talent for football, playing for the Liverpool Schoolboys, Copplehouse boys’ club, and Kirkdale junior league. His impressive skills earned him a spot on the Everton Football Club’s youth team at just nine years old. By the age of 16, Rooney was playing professionally for Everton, making a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in football.
Rise to Fame with Manchester United
In 2004, Wayne Rooney made a significant career move by joining Manchester United after the club agreed to a £25.6 million deal with Everton. Donning the #8 jersey, Rooney quickly made an impact, becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League during his debut match. He ended his first season with Manchester United as the top league scorer, netting 11 goals and earning the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Over the next few years, Rooney continued to excel, helping United secure multiple Premier League titles and becoming a key player for the team.
Achievements and Accolades
Wayne Rooney’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by numerous achievements. He won the Premier League five times and played a crucial role in the team’s 2008 Champions League victory. Rooney’s exceptional performance earned him several individual honors, including Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year award. He also became Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and England’s national team all-time top scorer. In addition to his club success, Rooney represented England in multiple international tournaments, earning the England Player of the Year title four times.
Transition to Major League Soccer
In June 2017, Wayne Rooney signed a three-year deal with D.C. United of Major League Soccer (MLS). His move to the United States marked a new chapter in his career. Rooney’s first year with D.C. United was highly successful, as he earned $30 million from salary and endorsements. He quickly became a fan favorite and was named the team’s MVP at the end of the season. Rooney’s leadership and skill significantly improved the team’s performance, solidifying his status as one of MLS’s top players.
Coaching Career
In 2020, Wayne Rooney transitioned from player to player-coach for Derby County, an English Football League Championship club. By January 2021, he officially retired from playing to focus on his full-time coaching role at Derby County. Rooney’s move into coaching highlights his deep understanding of the game and his desire to contribute to football in a new capacity. His experience as a top-level player has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide and develop new talent in the sport.
Personal Life and Family
Wayne Rooney married his childhood sweetheart, Coleen McLoughlin, on June 12, 2008. The couple has four sons: Kai, born in November 2009; Klay, born in May 2013; Kit, born in January 2016; and Cass, born in February 2018. Rooney has also ventured into publishing, signing a five-book deal with HarperCollins. His published works include “My Story So Far,” “The Official Wayne Rooney Annual,” “The Way It Is,” and “My Decade in the Premier League.”
Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Wayne Rooney has faced several controversies and legal issues. In 2006, he successfully sued “The Sun” and “News of the World” over false assault claims, donating his £100,000 in damages to charity. That same year, he settled a lawsuit with Everton manager David Moyes for £500,000. In 2017, Rooney was arrested for drunk driving, resulting in a fine, a driving ban, and community service. He faced another arrest in 2018 at Washington Dulles International Airport for public intoxication and profanity.
Real Estate Investments
Wayne and Coleen Rooney have made significant investments in real estate. In 2019, they purchased a six-bedroom home in Cheshire, England, for £20 million. They also own a waterfront apartment in Port Charlotte, Florida, bought for £320,000 in 2017, and a £5 million villa in Barbados. The couple began renting out their Barbados home in 2015, earning between £10,000 and £25,000 per week, depending on the season.
Legacy and Impact
Wayne Rooney’s legacy in football is marked by his extraordinary achievements, both on and off the field. His record-breaking performances, numerous awards, and contributions to the sport have made him one of the greatest footballers of his generation. As he continues to shape the future of football through his coaching career, Rooney’s influence and impact on the game remain profound. His journey from a talented young player in Liverpool to an internationally renowned football star and coach is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.
