Football player Wayne Rooney securely obtains a £800k contract to serve as a pundit on Match of the Day, earning him and wife Coleen a status as television's new influential duo.
Wayne Rooney, the renowned football legend, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as he joins the BBC's flagship football program, Match of the Day, and their coverage of the 2026 World Cup. Rooney's £800,000 two-year deal marks his transition from football management to media, further cementing his presence as a football analyst on television.
The BBC is eager to refresh their 2026 World Cup coverage with Rooney’s expertise, natural on-screen presence, and footballing legacy. Rooney will be a main pundit and analyst for both Match of the Day and the World Cup coverage, joining a revamped BBC presenting team for the tournament. His role will primarily involve providing insightful analysis and commentary during the tournament.
Rooney's impressive performances as a guest on Match of the Day have already won over viewers, who have taken to his warm, witty, and forensically knowledgeable approach to football. The BBC is excited about his addition to the team, and Rooney's deal includes the possibility of a two-year extension.
Meanwhile, Coleen Rooney has also made headlines with a reported £10million deal with Disney. Together, the Rooneys are poised to become one of the country's most influential media power couples.
The BBC's move to bring in Rooney comes amidst the departure of Gary Lineker, who quit the BBC amid an antisemitism row, and the BBC has not yet announced who will anchor the World Cup. With Rooney's addition, the BBC aims to maintain its strong audience, with over 33 million people tuning in to one of the weekend's two Match of the Day programs each season.
Kay-Jelski, the company behind Match of the Day, is also keen to use the MOTD brand name more widely on its online platforms, suggesting that Rooney's role may extend beyond traditional television. However, the confirmed role is primarily with the BBC’s World Cup team.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and Rooney will play a key role in bringing expert football analysis to viewers during the tournament. With a stellar career both on and off the pitch, Rooney is set to make a significant impact on the world of sports broadcasting.
The BBC is planning to utilize Rooney's footballing legacy and expertise in European-leagues, particularly the Premier-league, as he will be a main pundit and analyst for both Match of the Day and the 2026 World Cup coverage. As the BBC's move to bring in Rooney comes after Gary Lineker's departure, Rooney's role could potentially help maintain the program's strong audience.
