'Putting his doubters in their place' - Rooney lands Pundit of the Year award

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