Wayne Rooney named Broadcast Sport pundit of the year
The former England captain received the prize at a London ceremony, with BBC Sport praising his growth as a television broadcaster since joining in 2025.
Key points
- Wayne Rooney received the top pundit prize at the Broadcast Sport Awards in London.
- The honour was presented before 650 people from the sports television industry.
- Rooney began working full-time as a Match of the Day pundit in August 2025.
- BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said Rooney had improved quickly and worked hard to develop his skills.
BBC Sport reports that Wayne Rooney has received the pundit honour at the Broadcast Sport Awards. The prize was handed to him on Thursday at a ceremony in London attended by around 650 people from the sports television industry.
Rooney, 41, said the job had proved harder than he expected when he first began. He described himself as his own harshest critic and said he still wants to improve. “It’s a lot of hard work,” he said of his new career.
A career in front of the camera
Rooney made his name as a player, winning the Champions League, the Europa League, the Premier League five times, the FA Cup and the League Cup three times. He played for Manchester United and England and later worked as a manager.
His move into broadcasting has not always gone smoothly. When he first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2025, viewers were split on his performance. Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes was more positive, praising him as articulate and tactically insightful.
Rooney has also sought advice from experienced television executives and from fellow former players, including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Joe Hart and Micah Richards. He said he watches how longer-serving pundits work and enjoys staying close to the game.
Praise from agent and BBC
Paul Stretford, Rooney’s long-serving agent, said his client had once again answered critics with his football knowledge and direct manner. Philip Bernie, who leads BBC Sport’s events team, praised Rooney’s eagerness to learn and his resolve to get better as a broadcaster.
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said Rooney had worked hard to build his analysis and delivery skills in a short time. He also praised the chemistry between Rooney, Hart and Richards during the 2026 World Cup coverage, and said viewers would see more of the trio together on the BBC.
Why it matters
The award recognises a shift in how Rooney is seen, from a former star player to a respected voice on football. Over the summer, the three pundits drew attention with a playful challenge after a wrong prediction, which led them to row on the Hudson River in New York.
Rooney was openly critical of the half-time show at the 2026 World Cup final, a stance that caught some fellow pundits, including Joe Hart, by surprise. His frank style has nonetheless helped him connect with viewers.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Wayne Rooney given the award?
Rooney took the pundit of the year honour at the Broadcast Sport Awards, held in London. BBC Sport reported that the prize recognised his progress as a broadcaster.
When did Wayne Rooney start as a full-time pundit?
Rooney first joined Match of the Day as a full-time pundit in August 2025. Reactions to that first appearance were mixed.
Who did Wayne Rooney work with at the World Cup?
Rooney worked alongside Joe Hart and Micah Richards on BBC coverage. BBC Sport said the three were perfect team-mates.
Sources
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