Wayne Rooney wins pundit of the year at Broadcast Sport Awards
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who moved into television punditry after his playing and managerial career, has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London.
Wayne Rooney has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards, receiving the prize at a London ceremony attended by around 650 people from the sports television industry. The former Manchester United and England captain, 41, made his name as a player but has spent recent years building a second career in broadcasting, and judges recognised his plain-speaking style and humour across the 2026 World Cup.
Rooney's on-air assessment of the World Cup final half-time show, which featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber and ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds, was blunt: he said he liked many of the artists but thought the performance was poor. The remark took fellow pundit Joe Hart by surprise, but Rooney's directness and wit through the tournament connected with viewers.
The transition has not been without criticism. His debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025 divided opinion, with one supporter writing on social media that having done something does not automatically make a person good at explaining it to others. Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes was more positive, describing Rooney as articulate and tactically insightful, with a wealth of experience to draw on.
Rooney said he had not realised how tough broadcasting would be when he started, adding that he remains his own biggest critic and still needs to improve. He has sought feedback from television executives and from experienced players-turned-pundits including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Hart and Micah Richards, and said he watches how long-established pundits work. Asked about criticism from viewers, he said it drives him to do better.
His agent Paul Stretford said Rooney had again put his doubters in their place with his football intelligence and straightforward manner, while BBC Sport figures praised his willingness to learn, his determination to improve and the absence of ego. The article also notes that Rooney has adopted a healthier lifestyle involving padel and boxing training, and that his partnership with Hart and Richards will continue on the BBC in coming seasons.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
