'Putting his doubters in their place' - Rooney lands pundit of year award

Wayne Rooney's assessment of the 2026 World Cup final half-time show - delivered live on BBC Television - was blunt.

The show, which featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber, ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds. Rooney, who played at three World Cups for England, was unimpressed.

It caught some - including fellow pundit Joe Hart - by surprise. But Rooney's plain-speaking and sense of humour through the tournament had connected with viewers.

On Thursday, the former Manchester United and England captain was named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards., external

Rooney, 41, was presented with the prestigious prize in front of 650 people from the sports television industry at a ceremony in London.

"I didn't realise how tough it was going to be when I first started doing it," said Rooney about transitioning from football to broadcasting.

"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."

Rooney's move to broadcasting after a stellar playing career - followed by a testing stint as a manager - has not always been smooth.

His debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025 divided opinion,, external 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 was more upbeat about Rooney's debut.

"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 wrote., external

"He is tactically insightful and has a wealth of experience to draw from too."

As a player, Rooney learned from managers including Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, and won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League (five times), FA Cup and League Cup (three times).

He was not always the most articulate in his post-match interviews. As a pundit, he has found his voice.

In an attempt to better himself as a broadcaster, Rooney has sought feedback and advice from experienced television executives, as well as other players-turned-pundits including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Hart and Micah Richards.

"I do look at the other pundits who have been there a long time," added Rooney.

"I see how they do it. I enjoy it, it keeps me involved in football."

Asked about dealing with criticism from people watching him on TV, Rooney responded: "You do see it.

"It drives me to be better. I always feel when I do something I want to do better and be the best I can."

Paul Stretford, Rooney's long-serving agent, said people should not be surprised by what his client can achieve.

"It is no surprise to me that Wayne has continued to put his doubters in their place with his football intelligence and straightforward manner," added Stretford.

"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.

"Wayne is also a very likeable guy, a proper team player, with no ego on display," he added.

As well as developing chemistry with his fellow pundits, Rooney has changed his appearance after committing to a healthier lifestyle through a fitness regime which involves games of padel and boxing training.

"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," said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.

"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."

Their chemistry was obvious in the summer, particularly when they swapped their microphones for oars after an erroneous Rooney prediction.

He pledged to row down the River Mersey if Norway beat Brazil, and when they did, he confirmed on air he would adapt the challenge to do it in the United States.

That led to him, Hart and Richards to take to the Hudson River in New York.