Rooney named pundit of the year at Broadcast Sport Awards

Wayne Rooney was named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London on Thursday, receiving the prize in front of 650 people from the sports television industry. Rooney, 41, collected the award after his work as a BBC pundit during the recent tournament.

Rooney has transitioned to broadcasting following a managerial career with Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, and is a former Manchester United and England captain who played at three World Cups for England. His debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025 divided opinion, with one fan writing on social media: "Just because you have done something, does not automatically make you good to talk/explain and teach others well." Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes wrote: "He's articulate, and on Saturday night was able to conjure up the right word when you could see he was looking for it. He is tactically insightful and has a wealth of experience to draw from too."

Rooney drew attention during the World Cup when he criticised the final half-time show live on BBC Television, saying: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap." The half-time performance, which featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber, ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds and the comment surprised some colleagues, including fellow pundit Joe Hart.

Reflecting on his move into television, Rooney said: "I didn't realise how tough it was going to be when I first started doing it," and added: "I've always been my own biggest critic. And even now I need to improve, I need to be better. "It's a lot of hard work." He also described studying more experienced broadcasters: "I do look at the other pundits who have been there a long time. I see how they do it. I enjoy it, it keeps me involved in football."

Rooney has sought feedback and advice from television executives and fellow former players-turned-pundits including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Joe Hart and Micah Richards as part of his development in the role. Paul Stretford, Rooney's long-serving agent, said: "It is no surprise to me that Wayne has continued to put his doubters in their place with his football intelligence and straightforward manner. Time and time again as a player he was able to raise his game to incredible levels. They should also not be surprised at his drive and ambition to be the best that he can possibly be. And he does this with a combination of intelligence and humility."

Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport events, said Rooney had shown a "great willingness to learn and determination to improve" as a broadcaster and called him "a very likeable guy, a proper team player, with no ego on display." Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, added: "Like anyone who cares about their job, Wayne had to work hard - to learn skills around analysis and delivery - and he's improved so much in a short time." Kay-Jelski also noted the on-air chemistry Rooney developed with colleagues: "Micah and Joe alongside him at the World Cup were perfect team-mates - three equals - and you'll be seeing more of them together on the BBC in coming seasons."

Rooney has also changed his off-field routine, committing to a healthier lifestyle that includes padel and boxing training, and took part in a publicity stunt after an incorrect prediction when he pledged to row down the River Mersey if Norway beat Brazil. When Norway did beat Brazil, Rooney adapted the challenge to do it in the United States and he, Hart and Richards rowed on the Hudson River in New York — an episode that was dubbed "It's the Wayne Row-ney Show!"

As a player Rooney learned from managers including Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes and won the Champions League, Europa League, the Premier League five times, the FA Cup and the League Cup three times; he conceded he was not always the most articulate in post-match interviews but has "found his voice" as a pundit.

Kay-Jelski concluded that Rooney is "a great mix of incredibly clever, funny in a self-deprecating manner and likeable," and the BBC said viewers will see more of Rooney alongside Micah Richards and Joe Hart on the network in coming seasons.