Wayne Rooney stepped out with his wife Coleen for the launch of BBC Sport’s new season, signaling the start of a fresh chapter in the former Manchester United captain’s broadcasting career. The event, held in White City, London, saw Rooney and Coleen posing on the red carpet as the football icon formally unveiled his role as a pundit for the upcoming season.
Rooney, 39, styled a smart-casual look in a khaki jacket and matching trousers with a white top, while Coleen, also 39, looked elegant in a pale green jumpsuit. The couple small talked and smiled for photographers before heading inside, where a host of high-profile sports figures were in attendance.
BBC Sport confirmed this week that Rooney has joined the pundit lineup for the new season and will also host his own podcast. The Wayne Rooney Show is set to stream across BBC platforms including iPlayer, Sounds, and the BBC Sport app and website. Rooney described the project as a weekly deep dive into the biggest football stories, promising sharp opinions and honest chats drawn from a lifetime spent at the top level. He added that the show will feature insight only someone who has lived the game can offer, with humor and candid moments alongside co-hosts Kelly and Kae.
The timing of Rooney’s return to broadcasting aligns with a busy week for him off the pitch. He has been in the headlines for a public exchange with Tom Brady, who questioned Rooney’s work ethic during Brady’s own documentary about Birmingham City. Rooney responded on his new podcast, saying Brady’s comments came from a one-off visit during a lighter period of the season, and that he respects the former NFL quarterback despite the dispute.
Rooney’s remarks also touched on Brady’s reflections in the documentary Built In Birmingham: Brady And The Blues, where Brady’s camp suggested concerns about the head coach’s work ethic. Rooney emphasized that while he doesn’t hold a grudge, he believes Brady is among the greatest athletes of all time and that Birmingham City’s current direction looks positive as they move forward.
Beyond the headlines, the launch and Rooney’s new role underscore BBC Sport’s push to bring viewers closer to football through voices with firsthand experience. Rooney’s move back into punditry follows a turbulent Birmingham spell in which his time at the club yielded 15 appearances and a struggle for results before his departure in January 2024.
What this means for fans: Rooney’s show promises inside perspectives from a player who lived through the game’s most demanding moments, paired with a familiar broadcasting style and a perception of honesty that fans often seek in football coverage. It’s a reminder of Rooney’s enduring influence in the sport, both on the field and in front of the mic.
Editor’s note: This season’s lineup could provide fresh angles on ongoing football debates, from tactics and player development to the evolving demands on managers and clubs. Keep an eye on how Rooney’s analysis complements BBC Sport’s live coverage and expert panel discussions.
Possible story angles to explore next:
– How Rooney’s punditry style compares with other former players turned broadcasters.
– The potential guest line-up for The Wayne Rooney Show and topics they might tackle this season.
– Reactions from fans and players to Rooney’s return to media prominence.