"I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap." Wayne Rooney's assessment of the 2026 World Cup final half-time show - delivered live on BBC Television - was blunt. The show, which featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber, ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds. Rooney, who played at three World Cups for England, was unimpressed.
It caught some - including fellow pundit Joe Hart - by surprise. But Rooney's plain-speaking and sense of humour through the tournament had connected with viewers. On Thursday, the former Manchester United and England captain was named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards., external Rooney, 41, was presented with the prestigious prize in front of 650 people from the sports television industry at a ceremony in London.
"I didn't realise how tough it was going to be when I first started doing it," said Rooney about transitioning from football to broadcasting. "I've always been my own biggest critic. And even now I need to improve, I need to be better.
Rooney's move to broadcasting after a stellar playing career - followed by a testing stint as a manager - has not always been smooth. His debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025 divided opinion,, external with one fan writing on social media: "Just because you have done something, does not automatically make you good to talk/explain and teach others well." Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes was more upbeat about Rooney's debut. "He's articulate, and on Saturday night was able to conjure up the right word when you could see he was looking for it," he wrote., external "He is tactically insightful and has a wealth of experience to draw from too." As a player, Rooney learned from managers including Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, and won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League (five times), FA Cup and League Cup (three times).
He was not always the most articulate in his post-match interviews. As a pundit, he has found his voice. In an attempt to better himself as a broadcaster, Rooney has sought feedback and advice from experienced television executives, as well as other players-turned-pundits including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Hart and Micah Richards.
"I do look at the other pundits who have been there a long time," added Rooney. I enjoy it, it keeps me involved in football." Asked about dealing with criticism from people watching him on TV, Rooney responded: "You do see it. "It drives me to be better.
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