Wayne Rooney dominated the World Cup as a pundit for the BBC, and the Manchester United legend’s candid opinions were accompanied by a strong personality
Wayne Rooney was outstanding as a pundit for the BBC during the 2026 World Cup (Image: BBC Sport)
Wayne Rooney impressed as a pundit for the BBC at the World Cup and did it while looking stylish. The slimmed-down Manchester United icon also claims he did not consume a single sip of alcohol during the controversial five-week tournament in North America.
After 104 games, ups and downs and endless drama, the World Cup has come to an end and Spain are crowned champions. Those who tuned in to the BBC’s coverage of the tournament were coached through the action by a talented team of ex-pros and broadcasting royalty.
For the finale in New Jersey, the Biebs crew, who had been based in Salford until the semi-finals, presented live from inside the New York/New Jersey Stadium, with Gabby Logan and the usual trio of Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Rooney on the panel.
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Viewers have praised Rooney’s sincerity and confidence throughout the competition, with comments from co-star Richards highlighting Rooney’s admirable physical transformation at the end of the BBC’s final show on Sunday night.
Mirror Football explores the new Rooney, including his five-week sobriety period, Beeb’s salary and the influence of his ever-present half Coleen.
new look
As soon as Rooney began his role as a World Cup pundit, those watching on television noticed his unusual appearance. The United hero looked sophisticated, wearing smart clothes, a clean haircut and cutting off his once very prominent beard.
In the final, his immaculate gray suit brought praise to Richards. He told Rooney: “I think you should have a great time, Wayne, you were great throughout the tournament.
Rooney looked dapper in the World Cup final (Image: BBC Sport)
“I can’t drink. Do you want to celebrate tonight?” Rooney replied, “Listen, I’m going to have fun tonight, of course I will.” Richards added: “Look at him. He looks really great, his hair is great, he’s fit really well. He’s full of confidence. And he’s had a great World Cup. Congratulations.”
Colleen comes to the rescue.
The Sun reports that the change was masterminded by his wife Coleen, who now thinks of her husband “more than ever”. During the run-up to the World Cup, she allegedly learned that he was not happy with his appearance and imposed a diet and exercise regimen on him.
Rooney was reportedly encouraged to use a home gym and a personal trainer was hired to support him. These training sessions were followed by various treatments, including facials, to ensure they were in their best condition for the BBC show. Going shopping for new clothes was also on the agenda.
The United icon has been married to wife Coleen for 18 years (Image: Instagram/@wayneroony)
Colleen is not only responsible for this transformation. Rooney admitted he did not touch alcohol during the World Cup, but this came after a battle with alcohol. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast last year, the 40-year-old admitted he would be dead if it weren’t for his wife of 18 years.
“If it wasn’t for her, I honestly think I would be dead,” he said. “I’ve made mistakes in the past and it’s well documented, but I’m a little different sometimes and she kept me on that path and kept me going for 20-odd years.
“I wanted to go out and have a good time with my friends and have a night out. It went too far. It was a time in my life where I was really struggling with alcohol. I didn’t feel like I had anyone to turn to. I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone, so I really didn’t want to.
“I just drank two days in a row. I came to training, scored two goals at the weekend, then went back and drank two days in a row. She helped me a lot to control it. She managed me because I needed to manage it.”
bbc salary
All of this has paid off for a reformed Rooney, who has now established himself as a pundit after failed stints as manager at Derby County, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
The 40-year-old has reportedly signed a contract with the Beeb in 2025 (Image: BBC Sport)
He has reportedly signed a two-year contract worth £800,000 with the BBC in 2025. His exact salary is not made public, as it is paid through the company’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, rather than license fees.
Nevertheless, after calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s shoes “stupid” at the World Cup trophy ceremony and calling the final half-time show “shit”, Rooney declared himself an expert who is not afraid to speak his mind.
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