Wayne Rooney’s relationship with Ghana boss, BBC salary and new look spotted by fans

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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney never enjoyed much luck at the FIFA World Cup , scoring just once in 11 appearances for England across three tournaments. But the former Three Lions captain has seamlessly slipped into his new role on football’s biggest stage, becoming one of the BBC ’s go-to pundits for big games in North America this summer.

After hanging up his boots in 2021, Rooney tried his hand at management with Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle before turning his attention to a career in broadcasting. The 40-year-old impressed during his punditry debut at Euro 2024 and was later handed a bumper deal to become a regular fixture on Match of the Day and the BBC’s coverage of major tournaments.

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Since then, Rooney has won plenty of admirers for his straight-talking analysis and sharp tactical insight.

England’s World Cup clash against Ghana on Tuesday will provide a blast from the past for Rooney, with a very familiar face set to occupy the opposite dugout. Black Stars boss Carlos Queiroz served as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson during two spells at Manchester United , the latter coinciding with Rooney’s £25 million arrival from boyhood club Everton in 2004.

The pair worked closely together for four years before Queiroz departed Old Trafford to take charge of the Portugal national team. During that time, the highly-rated coach regularly lavished praise on Rooney and played a key role in helping the young striker develop into one of the Premier League ’s most feared forwards.

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During the peak of his powers at Manchester United, Rooney reportedly earned more than £300,000 per week. While his broadcasting career has not quite reached those dizzying financial heights, the ex-Everton striker has continued to rake in the cash.

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Last year, Rooney signed a two-year deal with the BBC worth a reported £800,000, making him one of the broadcaster’s highest-paid pundits. The lucrative agreement has helped to bolster his already sizeable bank balance, with Rooney’s net worth estimated at around £130 million.

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Dozens of BBC viewers took to social media to praise Rooney’s appearance last week after he made his first television appearance for this summer’s World Cup from the broadcaster’s studio in Salford. Wearing a smart black polo shirt, fans remarked that ‘Wazza’ looked noticeably more toned as he dissected France ’s opening group win against Senegal alongside fellow pundits Olivier Giroud and Gael Clichy.

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Others pointed out that Rooney had ditched the grey beard he has regularly sported in recent years in favour of a clean-shaven look. The refreshed appearance came just days after he enjoyed a relaxing holiday with wife Coleen to celebrate the couple’s 18th wedding anniversary.

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