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Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is an English former professional footballer and football manager born in Liverpool in 1985.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wayne Rooney is an English former professional footballer and football manager born in Liverpool in 1985. He is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, and for holding the England men’s national team scoring record.

Early life and playing career

Rooney was born in Liverpool and came through Everton’s youth system before making his senior debut as a teenager. He later became one of the most recognisable English forwards of his generation.

Manchester United years

Rooney joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 seasons at the club. He won major domestic and European honours there and finished as the club’s all-time top scorer with 253 goals.

England career

Rooney became a central figure for England and held the men’s senior scoring record with 52 goals. He also served as the national team’s record outfield appearance holder in source material.

Management career

After his playing career, Rooney moved into coaching and management. His roles included Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle.

Key facts

  • Rooney rose to prominence as a teenager with Everton before joining Manchester United in 2004.
  • He became Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals.
  • He scored 52 goals for England, a national team record for men’s senior football.
  • He later moved into coaching and management after his playing career.
  • His senior club career included Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United, Derby County, and Birmingham City.
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Canadian context

Wayne Rooney is widely known in Canada through global football coverage, English Premier League broadcasts, and his later roles in North American soccer with D.C. United and as a coach in MLS-related contexts.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Wayne Rooney?
Wayne Rooney is an English former professional footballer and football manager best known for playing for Everton, Manchester United, and England.
How old is Wayne Rooney?
He was born on 24 October 1985, so he is 40 years old as of 2026.
What teams did Wayne Rooney play for?
His senior club career included Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United, and Derby County; he also had later involvement in coaching and management at clubs including Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
How many goals did Wayne Rooney score?
He scored 253 goals for Manchester United and 52 goals for England; his total senior career tally depends on the competitions and clubs counted.
Is Wayne Rooney a manager?
Yes. After his playing career, Rooney worked in management, including roles at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle.
What is Wayne Rooney's net worth?
An exact verified net worth is not provided in the supplied sources, so it is not included here.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wayne-Rooney
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and general biography
  2. The Football Association — https://www.thefa.com/england/mens-seniors/squad/wayne-rooney
    Supports: England record goalscoring and outfield cap-holder status
  3. Manchester United — https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/wayne-rooney
    Supports: Manchester United appearances and 253 goals
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/21046/wayne-rooney
    Supports: Club list and career overview
  5. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Wayne+Rooney/392258
    Supports: Post-playing management roles listed in the supplied results