50 Facts About Wayne Rooney

Early Life and Beginnings

Wayne Rooney's journey to football stardom began in the streets of Croxteth, Liverpool. His early years were marked by a passion for the game and a natural talent that set him apart from his peers.

1. Birth and Family: Wayne Mark Rooney was born on October 24, 1985, to Thomas Wayne and Jeanette Marie Rooney. He has two younger brothers, Graham and John, and was raised in a Roman Catholic household.

2. Education: Rooney attended Our Lady and St Swithin’s primary school and later De La Salle Humanities College, where he balanced his studies with his burgeoning football career.

3. Supporting Everton: Growing up, Rooney was an ardent supporter of Everton, his local club. He also had a soft spot for Celtic.

4. Early Football Career: At just nine years old, Rooney joined Everton's youth team. His talent was evident as he scored an astonishing 114 goals in 29 games for the under-10s and 11s.

5. Professional Debut: Rooney made his professional debut for Everton at 16, becoming the youngest first-team player in the club's history.

6. First Premier League Goal: He scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in 2002, ending their 30-match unbeaten run and announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Rise to Prominence

Rooney's move to Manchester United marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. His time at Old Trafford was filled with memorable moments and numerous accolades.

7. Transfer to Manchester United: At 18, Rooney transferred to Manchester United for £25.6 million, the highest fee ever paid for a player under 20 at the time.

8. Debut Hat-Trick: Rooney scored a hat-trick on his debut for Manchester United in a Champions League match against Fenerbahçe, showcasing his immense potential.

9. Premier League Titles: He won his first Premier League title with Manchester United in the 2006-2007 season, the first of many.

10. Champions League Title: Rooney played a crucial role in Manchester United's UEFA Champions League victory in 2008.

11. FIFA Club World Cup: He helped Manchester United secure their first FIFA Club World Cup championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final.

12. Manchester United's All-Time Leading Scorer: Rooney became Manchester United's all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing record.

International Career

Rooney's contributions to the England national team were significant. His international career was marked by record-breaking achievements and memorable performances.

13. International Debut: Rooney made his international debut for England in 2003 at 17, becoming the youngest player to represent the national team.

14. Youngest Goalscorer: He became England’s youngest ever goalscorer during Euro 2004, a record that still stands.

15. Captaincy: Rooney captained the England national team from 2014 to 2017, leading by example on and off the pitch.

16. International Goals: With 53 goals in 120 international caps, Rooney is England's second-most-capped player and second-top goalscorer.

17. Euro 2004: Rooney starred in Euro 2004, helping England reach the quarterfinals with his impressive performances.

18. 2006 World Cup: A foot injury hampered his effectiveness in the 2006 World Cup, where he went scoreless.

19. Euro 2012: Rooney was suspended for the first two games of Euro 2012 but played in the remaining matches as England reached the quarterfinals.

20. 2014 World Cup: Rooney scored his first World Cup goal in 2014, but England was eliminated early after two losses.

21. Captaincy and Goals: In 2015, Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for the most goals scored for England, reaching 50 international goals.

22. Retirement from International Football: Rooney retired from the national team in August 2017 with a total of 53 goals in 119 appearances.

Personal Life

Beyond the pitch, Rooney's personal life has been a subject of public interest. His family, charitable activities, and media presence have all contributed to his public persona.

23. Marriage and Family: Rooney met Coleen McLoughlin in secondary school. They married on June 12, 2008, and have four sons: Kai, Klay, Kit, and Cass.

24. Charitable Activities: Rooney has been involved in various charitable activities, including significant donations to children's hospitals.

25. Hair Transplant: In June 2011, Rooney underwent a hair transplant at the Harley Street Hair Clinic.

26. Media Presence: The couple’s life has been widely covered by the press, and Coleen has built a media career from this exposure.

27. Autobiography: Rooney authored an autobiography titled "My Story So Far" in 2006, ghostwritten by journalist Hunter Davies.

28. Favorite Band: Rooney has a tattoo of the words “Just Enough Education to Perform,” the title of an album by his favorite band, the Stereophonics.

29. Reading Habits: He read all the Harry Potter books and is a fan of the series.

30. Education and GCSEs: Rooney did not achieve a single GCSE, a common educational qualification in the UK.

Career Achievements

Rooney's career is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions. His achievements on the field have cemented his legacy as one of football's greats.

31. PFA Players' Player of the Year: Rooney won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2010.

32. FWA Footballer of the Year: He also won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award in 2010.

33. Premier League Player of the Month: Rooney has won the Premier League Player of the Month award five times, a record he shares with Steven Gerrard.

34. FIFPro World XI: He was included in the FIFPro World XI in 2011, recognizing his exceptional performance on the international stage.

35. Goal of the Season: Rooney won the Goal of the Season award by the BBC's Match of the Day poll on three occasions, including his famous bicycle kick against Manchester City in February 2011.

36. Manchester Derbies Record: He holds the record for most goals scored in Manchester derbies, showcasing his prowess in local rivalries.

37. Commercial Endorsements: Rooney has endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Nokia, Ford, Asda, and Coca-Cola.

38. FIFA Video Game Series: He appeared on seven consecutive UK-version covers of Electronic Arts' FIFA video game series from FIFA 06 to FIFA 12.

39. Nike Commercials: Rooney featured in several Nike commercials, including "Write the Future" directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu in 2010.

40. Coca-Cola Campaign: In October 2010, Coca-Cola dropped Rooney from an advertising campaign following issues surrounding his private life.

41. Income and Endorsements: In 2012, Rooney’s reported income of US$32.6 million listed him as the world’s fifth highest-paid footballer.

42. Jersey Sales: Jerseys with Rooney’s name and number (Rooney, 10) were the best-selling sports product under the Premier League in July 2011.

43. Book Deals: Rooney signed the largest sports book deal in publishing history with HarperCollins in March 2006, receiving a £5 million advance plus royalties for a minimum of five books.

44. Autobiography and Annuals: His first book, "My Story So Far," was published after the 2006 World Cup. The second, "The Official Wayne Rooney Annual," was aimed at teenagers. His third book, "My Decade in the Premier League," was published in September 2012.

Later Career and Retirement

Rooney's career continued to evolve as he took on new challenges in different leagues and eventually transitioned into management.

45. Return to Everton: Rooney left Manchester United in January 2017 and rejoined Everton, his first professional team, after 13 years.

46. MLS Career: Six months later, he moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) and joined D.C. United, where he scored 23 goals in 48 appearances.

47. Derby County: In 2020, Rooney joined Derby County as a player-coach and eventually became the club’s manager. He left in 2022 to become manager of D.C. United.

48. Managerial Career: Rooney is currently the head coach of EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle, continuing his managerial career.

49. Legacy in Football: Rooney’s legacy in football is undeniable. He has inspired generations of players with his versatility and dedication to the sport.

50. Off-the-Pitch Ventures: Beyond football, Rooney has launched the Wayne Rooney Foundation to support disadvantaged children and has been involved in various documentaries about his life and career.

Wayne Rooney's Lasting Impact

Wayne Rooney's career is a testament to sheer talent, hard work, and determination. From his early days at Everton to becoming Manchester United's all-time leading scorer, Rooney's journey is filled with memorable moments and records. His achievements with Manchester United, including Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, highlight his exceptional skills. Internationally, he became England's youngest goalscorer and later its captain, leaving a significant mark on the national team. Beyond the pitch, Rooney's charitable efforts and ventures into coaching show his dedication to the sport and community. His legacy inspires future generations of footballers, proving that with passion and perseverance, greatness is achievable. Wayne Rooney's story is one of triumph, resilience, and an unwavering love for football.