Wayne Rooney wins pundit of the year at Broadcast Sport Awards

Wayne Rooney has been named pundit of the year at the Broadcast Sport Awards, recognising his move into television analysis after his playing and managerial careers. BBC Sport reported that the former Manchester United and England captain received the award in London on Thursday.

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Rooney was shortlisted for his work on the BBC's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organisers' published list placed him alongside Alan Shearer, Ally McCoist, Emma Hayes, Jamie Carragher and Karen Carney. The category also extended beyond football: TNT Sports MotoGP analyst Neil Hodgson and Channel 4 Paralympic Winter Games pundit Sean Rose were among the eight nominees competing for the same award.

The 41-year-old told the BBC that broadcasting had proved more demanding than he initially expected and that he still wanted to improve. He described criticism as motivation to develop his work. His first appearance as a full-time Match of the Day pundit came in August 2025 and drew mixed reactions.

BBC Sport reported that Rooney had sought advice from experienced television executives and fellow pundits, including Shearer, Danny Murphy, Joe Hart and Micah Richards. Philip Bernie, the BBC's head of sport events, praised his readiness to learn, while director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski highlighted his progress in analysis and delivery.

The awards were scheduled for November 5 at the London Hilton on Park Lane. According to the organisers, the event celebrates sports television and production across the UK and Ireland, bringing together broadcasters, production companies and sporting organisations. Their stated judging process involves the Broadcast Sport editorial team reviewing nominations and selecting a shortlist before a panel of industry leaders decides the winners. Punditry is one part of a wider programme recognising work both on screen and behind the scenes.

Rooney worked alongside Hart and Richards during the World Cup. Kay-Jelski told BBC Sport that viewers would see more of the trio together on the broadcaster in future seasons. Rooney said the role allowed him to remain involved in football while learning from established analysts.