Wayne Rooney’s BBC salary revealed and why he cried on FA Cup broadcast | Football | Sport
Wayne Rooney has transitioned from being one of the most exceptional players of his era to an emerging career in punditry. Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer has made such an impression since moving into analysis that he has been chosen to cover this summer’s World Cup for the BBC.
Following retirement, Rooney, 40, endured unsuccessful stints managing Plymouth and Birmingham, leading him to shift towards a career in punditry. Since joining the BBC in 2025, he has rapidly adapted to studio life. Now a familiar presence on Match of the Day, Rooney will have the opportunity to shine for the Beeb in his most significant assignment to date, covering fixtures for the forthcoming tournament, which is being hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Prior to that, however, he will be stationed at Wembley for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on Saturday. Express Sport examines Rooney’s punditry journey thus far.
Wayne Rooney’s tears during a live broadcast
Rooney revealed his emotional side when he was brought to the brink of tears on the BBC following his younger brother, John, orchestrating Macclesfield’s historic FA Cup triumph over Crystal Palace in January.
John was let go by Everton at the age of 12. He subsequently played for Chester, Wrexham, Stockport, Oldham and Macclesfield. He assumed his first managerial position with the Silkmen last summer before delivering one of the most remarkable FA Cup upsets in history.
The sentiment was clearly evident in his older brother. As the siblings held each other at the final whistle, Rooney’s voice wavered as he told the BBC: “I’m actually getting emotional. To see my younger brother achieve this, he’s not long been in management.
“To get to the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat a Premier League team in Crystal Palace, I’m so proud of him. He looked calm – I don’t know how. It’s such an achievement what he’s done today. Absolutely superb.”
Wayne Rooney’s BBC salary
Rooney’s initial achievements in the punditry arena have reportedly secured him a profitable broadcasting arrangement. Reports indicate the former Everton striker penned a two-year deal at the BBC valued at approximately £800,000 – positioning him amongst the corporation’s highest-paid football pundits on around £400,000 annually.
That remarkable sum positions him marginally behind Match of the Day legend Alan Shearer. The Newcastle icon collected between £440,000 and £444,999 last year, based on BBC data.
Executives at the BBC were understood to be eager to secure Rooney following his impressive performance during Euro 2024, where his candid and perceptive commentary resonated with viewers.
Due to his playing career, Rooney reportedly commanded in excess of £300,000 per week. When combined with profitable sponsorship agreements with companies including Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports, his net worth is calculated to stand at approximately £127million.
