Former England captain Wayne Rooney has reportedly secured a lucrative two-year contract worth £800,000 to become a regular pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day, marking a significant career shift seven months after departing Plymouth Argyle. The 39-year-old’s transition from struggling manager to broadcasting star comes as the iconic football highlights programme prepares for its biggest transformation in a quarter-century.
The deal, which includes coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, positions Rooney as a key figure in Match of the Day’s post-Gary Lineker era. BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski is “incredibly excited to get him on board,” with sources describing it as “a great signing.
Rooney will be officially unveiled later this month after impressing audiences and bosses alike during several guest appearances on the show in recent months. The former Manchester United striker, who scored 253 goals for the Red Devils, has already demonstrated his broadcasting capabilities through appearances on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage and BBC’s FA Cup broadcasts.
From Dugout Disappointment to Studio Success
The broadcasting opportunity arrives at a pivotal moment for Rooney, whose managerial career has faced significant challenges. On December 31, 2024, Plymouth Argyle and Rooney mutually agreed to part ways after just over seven months in charge, with the team bottom of the Championship table with 18 points from 23 games, four points adrift of the safety zone.
His managerial record across Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth shows a win percentage of less than 30 percent. At Birmingham City, where he lasted just 15 matches, Rooney won only 13.3 percent of games before being dismissed in January 2024.
Despite these setbacks, broadcasting executives have recognised Rooney’s natural ability in front of the camera. A source told The Sun: “Wayne is a natural broadcaster; he is warm, witty and forensically knowledgeable about all aspects of the game.
He still has a deep love for football and also gets on well with everyone on both sides of the camera. He is eminently likeable, and has impressed on his outings to date – viewers have also really taken to him which has been clear from social media commentary,” the source added.
Match of the Day’s New Chapter
The appointment comes as Match of the Day undergoes its most significant change since 1999. Gary Lineker, who has presented the show since 1999, will step down at the end of the 2024-25 season after 26 years in the role. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will host Match of the Day from the start of the 2025-26 season.
It will mark the first time the role of lead presenter across both Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2, and the latest addition to the BBC’s football highlights portfolio, Match of the Day Champions League, will be shared by three presenters.
Rooney will join established pundits including Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Alex Scott in the studio. His contract reportedly includes an option for a two-year extension, potentially keeping him on screens through 2028.
Broadcasting Ambitions Confirmed
The former England international, who earned 120 caps for his country, had previously hinted at his broadcasting intentions. Speaking to talkSPORT last month, Rooney said: “Obviously, just doing some TV work at the minute, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m enjoying it. So, that’s where I’ll be.”
The source added: “Wayne will be a key part of next year’s World Cup coverage, which is a massive coup, and will provide some much-needed expertise on Match of the Day in the wake of Gary’s departure.”
Family Media Empire Grows
The broadcasting deal coincides with significant media ventures for the Rooney family. Disney+ have commissioned a brand new reality series called The Rooneys which will follow Coleen and Wayne Rooney as they navigate through life. Sources close to the project said earlier this year that Mrs Rooney, 39, will be paid £5 million with the remainder going to production company Lorton Entertainment.
One insider said: ‘It has taken months of bidding against one another. The money has gone up and up and has got to £10 million, which is way higher than was first imagined, but Coleen is very much in demand.’
With Coleen’s amazing Disney contract, and Wayne’s new BBC one, they will officially become one of the country’s most influential media power couples. It’s a very exciting time,” a source revealed.
Plymouth Departure and Future Direction
Rooney’s exit from Plymouth came after a particularly difficult spell. In his farewell statement, Rooney expressed gratitude: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.
“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever,” he added. “Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
The broadcasting role suggests Rooney’s managerial ambitions will be placed on hold, at least temporarily. His television appearances have drawn consistently positive reviews, with viewers praising his insights and personality.
Industry Implications
The appointment represents a significant investment by the BBC in securing high-profile talent as Match of the Day enters a new era. With viewing habits changing and younger audiences increasingly consuming football content through social media and streaming platforms, the programme faces challenges in maintaining its relevance.
Rooney’s appointment, alongside the new presenting team, signals the BBC’s commitment to refreshing the format while maintaining its position as the premier football highlights show in British television.
The deal also highlights the growing trend of former players transitioning successfully into media careers, following the path of colleagues like Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, who have built substantial broadcasting profiles alongside their punditry work.
As Rooney prepares to begin this new chapter, the football world will be watching to see whether his natural charisma and deep understanding of the game can help Match of the Day navigate its post-Lineker future successfully.
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Image credit:
Wayne Rooney, 21 October 2015. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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