After years spent navigating the highs and lows of football management, Wayne Rooney is gearing up for a whole new challenge—and this time, it’s in front of the camera.
The former England captain is reportedly about to sign a major deal to become a regular face on BBC’s Match of the Day, marking a fresh chapter in his football journey.
Rooney, now 39, has been without a club since parting ways with Plymouth Argyle at the end of 2024.
That marked the end of a tough seven-month spell in charge, adding to a whirlwind four-year run in management that also saw him lead Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City.
From Manager to Media Star
If you’ve caught Rooney on your screen lately, you’ll know he’s not exactly a newcomer to football punditry.
He’s popped up on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage and has already tested the waters on Match of the Day as a guest—earning praise for his sharp insight and down-to-earth style.
In an interview with talkSPORT just last month, Rooney seemed to confirm that TV work had become more than just a side project.
“I’m just doing some TV work at the minute,” he said. “I’m enjoying it. So, that’s where I’ll be.”
BBC’s Big Signing for a New Era
Now, according to The Sun, Rooney is ready to make things official.
He’s reportedly inked a £800,000 deal with the BBC, which will see him on our screens over the next two years.
The timing couldn’t be better, as Match of the Day enters a new era following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker.
Rooney is expected to join a re-energized team that includes familiar faces like Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.
Insiders say the BBC sees him as a major asset, praising him as “warm, witty, and forensically knowledgeable”—just the kind of voice needed to engage a new generation of fans in the streaming age.
Eyes on the 2026 World Cup and Beyond
This isn’t just a gig for Saturday night highlights either.
Rooney’s new role reportedly includes a spot in the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
And if all goes well, the deal could stretch into a second two-year stint.
It’s a major career pivot, but one that fits seamlessly with Rooney’s deep love for the game—and his natural comfort in front of the mic.
The Rooneys Take Over Media
Wayne’s not the only Rooney making moves in media.
His wife, Coleen, is also stepping further into the spotlight.
She’s reportedly signed a jaw-dropping £10 million deal with Disney for a family-focused documentary featuring the couple and their four sons.
From football pitch to family docuseries, the Rooneys are clearly embracing the media world with open arms.