Wayne Rooney was honoured as Sports Pundit of the Year at Thursday night’s 2026 Broadcast Sport Awards, following a successful year in front of the cameras.
The 41-year-old former England forward has become a familiar television presence through Disney+ programme Stick To United and the BBC’s Match of the Day. Rooney also proved particularly popular with viewers during the 2026 World Cup.
Rooney moved into broadcasting after an illustrious playing career that included five Premier League crowns, a Champions League triumph, an FA Cup and three League Cup victories.
His subsequent work as a coach and manager did not match the achievements he enjoyed on the pitch. Across spells in charge of Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth, his managerial win percentage stood at 25%.
He later established himself as a pundit, attracting attention at the 2026 World Cup with his characteristically direct verdict on the tournament’s half-time entertainment. “I thought it was c**p,” Rooney said.
That candid approach, along with his wider broadcasting work, earned the former England international the Pundit of the Year prize.
Rooney has previously admitted that the transition into television analysis was more challenging than he had expected. “I didn’t realise how tough it was going to be when I first started doing it,” he said.
“I’ve always been my own biggest critic. And even now I need to improve, I need to be better.”
Gabby Logan also collected an award after being named Sports Presenter of the Year, while Sir Chris Hoy’s documentary received the Sports Documentary of the Year honour.
