Wayne Rooney Returns to Punditry as Amazon Eyes Him for Champions League Coverage

Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney (Premier League)

England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has re-entered the world of football punditry after leaving his managerial role at Plymouth Argyle in December. Rooney, who managed the Championship side for seven months, departed following a winless streak of nine matches.

His return to media analysis comes after an appearance on The Overlap alongside former teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane, where he discussed his managerial career. Having been a guest on the podcast multiple times, Rooney’s extensive football knowledge makes him a valuable asset for broadcasters looking to enhance their coverage.

Amazon Eyes Rooney for Champions League Coverage

According to the Daily Mirror, Amazon is keen to bring Rooney on board as a pundit for their coverage of the upcoming Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The streaming giant is reportedly considering making him a regular name in their football programming, though no official agreement has been reached yet. His insight, experience, and status as a footballing icon make him an attractive option for major sports broadcasters looking to strengthen their analysis teams.

Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney (Premier League)

Amazon may not be the only broadcaster interested in Rooney’s expertise. Reports suggest that the BBC’s iconic football show Match of the Day is also considering him for a role. Additionally, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, both of which have previously featured Rooney, could also be in contention. Given his vast experience as a player and manager, Rooney’s potential return to punditry could spark a bidding war among leading sports networks.

Rooney’s Illustrious Playing Career

Before transitioning into management and punditry, Rooney enjoyed a highly decorated playing career. He won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United, cementing his legacy as one of England’s greatest footballers.

He also played for Everton, DC United, and Derby County, amassing 120 caps for England—the second-highest in the nation’s history. After retiring in early 2021, Rooney took over as Derby County’s manager, where he helped them secure Championship safety despite severe financial challenges.

Rooney’s managerial career has been a challenging journey. Following his departure from Derby County in 2022, he took charge of DC United in the MLS but left after a little over a year. He then returned to English football with Birmingham City but lasted less than three months, winning only two of his 15 matches in charge.

His latest managerial stint at Plymouth Argyle showed glimpses of promise, but he was unable to complete the season as they battled relegation. With his coaching career on hold, Rooney’s return to punditry could mark a new chapter in his post-playing career.