Wayne Rooney wins pundit of the year at awards
Wayne Rooney has won pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London, following his transition from player and manager to TV broadcaster.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Wayne Rooney was named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards
- The award was presented in front of 650 sports television industry guests
- Rooney has focused on improving his broadcasting skills since his 2025 debut
Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England captain, has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London. The 41-year-old received the prestigious prize in front of an audience of 650 people from the sports television industry.
Rooney's transition into broadcasting following his stellar playing career and a challenging managerial stint has not been without hurdles. His full-time punditry debut on Match of the Day in August 2025 initially drew mixed opinions from viewers across social media platforms.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
However, his straightforward delivery and sense of humour during the 2026 World Cup tournament quickly resonated with audiences. This included his blunt live television assessment of the tournament's 27-minute and 22-second half-time show featuring Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, where he remarked that he thought the performance was poor despite liking many of the artists involved.
Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes praised Rooney's debut, noting his tactical insight and wealth of experience. Meanwhile, Rooney himself acknowledged that he remains his own biggest critic and continues striving to improve his broadcasting craft.
"I've always been my own biggest critic. And even now I need to improve, I need to be better."
Wayne Rooney
To hone his skills, Rooney has actively sought feedback and advice from experienced television executives and fellow pundits such as Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Joe Hart, and Micah Richards. He has also embraced a healthier lifestyle involving padel and boxing training.
Moving from the pitch and the dugout to the television studio presents a distinct set of challenges for former athletes. Rooney's journey illustrates that pairing genuine candour and willingness to accept constructive criticism with mentorship from seasoned broadcasters can help individuals overcome initial skepticism and establish credibility in sports media.
Paul Stretford, Rooney's long-serving agent, noted that his client's drive and ambition should come as no surprise given his history of raising his game to incredible levels as a player. Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport events, added that Rooney possesses a great willingness to learn and demonstrates no ego on display.
Source: BBC Sport
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