Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, has transitioned from a remarkable playing career to a managerial role. After breaking into professional football as a 16-year-old prodigy in 2002, Rooney went on to set numerous records with both Manchester United and the England national team.
His football career spanned nearly two decades, including a successful 13-year stint at Old Trafford, followed by a period in Major League Soccer. These accomplishments have afforded Rooney a comfortable lifestyle, and his influence extends beyond the pitch, with lucrative sponsorships and investments further bolstering his fortune.
Net Worth and Wealth Sources
Rooney’s current net worth is estimated at approximately £170 million ($207 million), a sum accumulated over the course of his career. His wealth primarily stems from football contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures.
While he had the opportunity to significantly increase his earnings by moving to the Chinese Super League, Rooney chose instead to continue his career in Europe and North America, playing for clubs like Everton and D.C. United before shifting to a managerial path. His financial portfolio reflects a diverse range of income streams from both his playing days and business activities.
Wayne Rooney (@waynerooney/Instagram)Rooney earned significant salaries throughout his playing career, particularly during his time at Manchester United. At Old Trafford, he was reportedly paid £250,000 a week, which increased to £300,000 when commercial rights were included. After a return to Everton, his salary dropped to around £150,000 per week, still a substantial figure.
His earnings at D.C. United and Derby County were more modest but remained high, reflecting his status as a top-tier player. After moving into management, Rooney’s salary decreased further, with his contract at Plymouth Argyle reportedly worth £500,000 annually.
With his reported salary at Plymouth Argyle, Rooney’s earnings equate to approximately £10,000 per week. This amounts to around £62 per hour or £1,370 per day. His per-minute earnings are around £0.95, and per second, he earns just under £0.02. While his salary is a significant drop compared to his playing days, it still reflects his expertise and value in the footballing world.
Rooney’s endorsement deals played a crucial role in his financial success. During his playing career, his major sponsorship was with Nike, reportedly worth £1 million annually. He also had deals with other brands such as Coca-Cola, EA Sports, and Harper Collins, although some of these were impacted by personal controversies.
Rooney has remained an influential figure in the business world, with his image being utilized in various promotional campaigns, including a brief stint in Hollywood movie trailers. Additionally, his 2022 documentary “ROONEY,” directed by Matt Smith, was a notable project outside of traditional endorsements.
Wayne Rooney (@waynerooney/Instagram)With a combined following of over 63 million across social media platforms, Rooney is one of the most followed footballers globally. His Instagram account alone has 16.3 million followers, where he shares glimpses of his life, including throwback images, family photos, and personal moments. He also has significant followings on Facebook and Twitter, where he continues to engage with fans and maintain his presence in the public eye. This vast online following underscores his enduring popularity and commercial appeal.
In addition to his football career, Rooney has ventured into business, making investments in various sectors. While he maintains a relatively low profile regarding his business dealings, he has been involved in partnerships with fellow celebrities like cricketer Kevin Pietersen and businessman Theo Paphitis.
In 2013, they invested in small businesses, with each contributing around £200,000. Rooney has also shown interest in the hospitality industry, having supported a hotel venture in Newcastle. Furthermore, he has invested in digital assets such as NFTs, collaborating with platforms like DOSBRAK and ‘Block Asset.’
Charity Work and Philanthropy
Rooney is actively involved in charitable work, often alongside his wife, Coleen. In 2016, the proceeds from his Manchester United testimonial match, totaling £1.2 million, were donated to several charities, including the NSPCC, Claire House Children’s Hospice, and the Manchester United Foundation.
Through his Wayne Rooney Foundation, he aimed to raise £5 million for various causes. His charitable efforts also included a return to the England national team in 2018 for a charity match, the proceeds of which went to support his foundation. Rooney’s philanthropy highlights his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting vulnerable individuals.
