Wayne Rooney named Broadcast Sport Awards pundit of the year, Digi Mart USA News: Wayne Rooney has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards, according to the BBC. The former Manchester United and England captain, 41, was presented with the prize in front of 650 people from the sports television industry at a ceremony in London on Thursday.
Rooney drew attention during the 2026 World Cup, when he criticized the final’s half-time show, which featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber and ran 27 minutes and 22 seconds. He described the show as “crap” in a live BBC broadcast, a remark that surprised some colleagues, including fellow pundit Joe Hart.
Rooney’s transition to broadcasting has not always been smooth. His debut as a full-time pundit on Match of the Day in August 2025 divided opinion among viewers, although Guardian journalist Paul MacInnes praised him as articulate and tactically insightful.
Rooney said he had found broadcasting harder than 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.”
To improve, Rooney has sought feedback from experienced television executives and from fellow pundits including Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Hart and Micah Richards. He said he watches veteran pundits closely and enjoys staying involved in football.
His agent, Paul Stretford, said Rooney’s success was no surprise, citing his football intelligence and drive. Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport events, praised Rooney’s “great willingness to learn and determination to improve,” while Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said Rooney had improved significantly in a short time and would be seen more on the BBC in coming seasons.
During the summer, Rooney and his colleagues drew attention with a rowing challenge after a prediction about Norway and Brazil. When Norway won, Rooney confirmed he would row the Hudson River in New York instead of the River Mersey, and he, Hart and Richards took to the water there.
