Wayne Rooney is one of the most famous football players in the world, known for his amazing skills on the field and his contributions to English football. Born on October 24, 1985, in Croxteth, Liverpool, he rose to fame early and became a football legend. This detailed biography will take you through his early life, professional career, personal life, achievements, and net worth. We will also highlight the various sources of his income and explain how he earned his fortune.
Who Is Wayne Rooney?
Wayne Rooney is an English professional footballer and manager. He is most famous for his time playing for Manchester United and the England national team. Rooney is a versatile player, known for his ability to play in various attacking positions such as forward and midfielder. He is also the all-time leading goal scorer for both Manchester United and the England national team. After his retirement from playing, Rooney transitioned into football management, where he is continuing to make an impact.
| Full Name | Wayne Mark Rooney |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Croxteth, Liverpool, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Football Manager, Former Footballer |
| Position | Forward, Midfielder |
| Clubs Played For | Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United, Derby County |
| National Team | England |
| Spouse | Coleen McLoughlin (m. 2008) |
| Children | 4 (Kai, Klay, Kit, Cass) |
| Net Worth | $170 million (2024) |
Wayne Rooney Net Worth
As of 2024, Wayne Rooney’s net worth is estimated to be around $170 million. This wealth comes from various sources, including his football salary, endorsements, and investments.
| Year | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $45 million |
| 2011 | $55 million |
| 2012 | $65 million |
| 2013 | $75 million |
| 2014 | $82 million |
| 2015 | $90 million |
| 2016 | $95 million |
| 2017 | $100 million |
| 2018 | $120 million |
| 2019 | $130 million |
| 2020 | $140 million |
| 2021 | $150 million |
| 2022 | $160 million |
| 2023 | $170 million |
Income Sources
Football Salary
Rooney earned the majority of his wealth through his football salary. During his peak at Manchester United, he was one of the highest-paid players in the world, earning an estimated £300,000 per week. His salaries at Everton, D.C. United, and Derby County also contributed significantly to his wealth.
Endorsements
Wayne Rooney has signed several lucrative endorsement deals over the years. Some of the brands he has worked with include:
- Nike: Rooney had a long-term sponsorship deal with Nike, which earned him millions of dollars.
- Coca-Cola: Rooney was once the face of Coca-Cola, but the deal ended due to some of his off-field controversies.
- EA Sports: Rooney appeared on the cover of FIFA video games multiple times, further boosting his earnings.
- Samsung and HarperCollins (for his autobiographies) are some of the other companies he partnered with.
Autobiographies
Rooney has written several autobiographies, which have been successful in terms of sales. His books offer insights into his life, career, and personal experiences.
Investments
Rooney has invested in real estate and other business ventures. He owns several luxury properties, including a mansion in Cheshire, England. His investments in property and other ventures have helped him grow his wealth beyond football.
Football Management
Rooney’s current role as a football manager also adds to his income. Although managers typically earn less than top-tier players, his role at Derby County and future managerial positions are expected to contribute significantly to his wealth.
Early Life
Wayne Mark Rooney was born into a working-class family in Croxteth, Liverpool, England. His love for football started at a very young age. As a child, he played for a local club called Copplehouse Boys before joining Everton Football Club’s youth academy at the age of nine. It didn’t take long for people to notice his talent, and he quickly became known as one of the most promising young players in England.
Growing up, Rooney was a big fan of Everton, the club he would later begin his professional career with. Even though his family didn’t have much money, they supported Wayne’s dream of becoming a professional football player. His determination and skill helped him reach his goal.
Professional Life
Wayne Rooney’s professional career began at an incredibly young age. Let’s look at how his career developed over the years.
Everton (2002-2004)
Wayne Rooney made his professional debut for Everton in 2002 when he was just 16 years old. His breakthrough moment came when he scored a stunning goal against Arsenal, which ended their 30-match unbeaten streak. This goal made him the youngest goal scorer in Premier League history at that time. His performances for Everton earned him a lot of attention from bigger clubs.
Manchester United (2004-2017)
In 2004, Rooney signed with Manchester United for a fee of £25.6 million, which made him the most expensive teenager in football at the time. This was a big step in his career, and it proved to be the right one. At Manchester United, Rooney became one of the greatest players in the world. Over the years, he won multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League title, and several other trophies.
Some of his notable achievements at Manchester United include:
- 253 goals in 559 appearances, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer.
- Winning five Premier League titles.
- Winning the UEFA Champions League in 2008.
During his time at Manchester United, Rooney played alongside some of the biggest names in football, including Cristiano Ronaldo. He was known for his powerful shots, vision, and work ethic. He played as a forward but could also drop deep into the midfield to help his team.
Return to Everton (2017-2018)
After 13 successful years at Manchester United, Rooney returned to his boyhood club Everton in 2017. His return was short but memorable. He played for one season, during which he scored several key goals, but in 2018, he decided to move to the United States to continue his career.
D.C. United (2018-2020)
In 2018, Rooney signed with D.C. United, a club in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Even though he was nearing the end of his playing career, Rooney’s impact in the MLS was immediate. He scored goals and led his team to the playoffs. His time in the U.S. showed that even at an older age, Rooney could still perform at a high level.
Derby County (2020-2021)
Rooney joined Derby County, initially as a player-coach, in 2020. He eventually became the full-time manager of the club after announcing his retirement from professional football. Managing Derby County was a tough challenge, as the club faced financial difficulties. However, Rooney did his best to keep the team competitive in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.
Personal Life
Wayne Rooney has been in the spotlight not just for his football career but also for his personal life. He married his childhood sweetheart Coleen McLoughlin in 2008. The couple has four sons together: Kai, Klay, Kit, and Cass.
Throughout his career, Rooney faced several controversies, both on and off the field. However, he has always remained focused on his family and football. Rooney’s dedication to his family is clear, and he often speaks about how important his wife and children are to him.
Rooney is also known for his charitable work. He has supported various causes, including children’s hospitals and youth football programs. His generosity has made a big difference in the lives of many people.
Achievements
Wayne Rooney has achieved many things throughout his career. Here are some of his most significant accomplishments:
- Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer (253 goals).
- England national team’s all-time leading scorer (53 goals).
- Five Premier League titles with Manchester United.
- One UEFA Champions League title (2008).
- One FIFA Club World Cup title.
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2010).
- FWA Footballer of the Year (2010).
Rooney’s achievements make him one of the most successful English footballers of all time. His impact on the game is undeniable, and he is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League.
Legacy
Wayne Rooney’s legacy in football is secure. He will be remembered as one of the best players of his generation. His versatility, work ethic, and leadership qualities set him apart from other players. Rooney inspired countless young footballers in England and around the world to pursue their dreams.
As a manager, Rooney is continuing to contribute to the sport. His move from player to coach shows his commitment to football and his desire to stay connected to the game. There is no doubt that Wayne Rooney’s influence on football will be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wayne Rooney is not only one of the greatest football players in history, but he is also a successful businessman and family man. His net worth of $170 million comes from his football career, endorsements, and smart investments. From his early days at Everton to his legendary time at Manchester United and beyond, Rooney’s career has been full of incredible achievements. His story shows that with hard work, determination, and talent, it’s possible to achieve greatness.
