
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene with Everton at 16. Two decades later, the striker retired having won almost every accolade on offer. He is now struggling to make his way in management.
The player caught the world's attention with a last-minute, long-range goal against Arsenal. His strike showed control and power way beyond Rooney's years and announced him as a precocious talent.
Rooney made his England debut at the age of 17 and lit up EURO 2004 with the Three Lions, showing outrageous skill.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United came calling for Rooney, signing him for £25.6million in August 2004 - a record for a teenage player at the time.
With 253 goals in all competitions, Rooney is Man Utd's all-time record goalscorer, comfortably surpassing Denis Law and George Best.
Rooney made an emotional playing return to Everton in 2017 before joining MLS side DC United, and then Derby County in controversial circumstances via a sponsorship with online casino 32Red.
The following season he was unable to keep Derby in the division, especially after a 21 point deduction due to historical financial mismanagement, and resigned in June 2022.
In July 2022, he was appointed head coach of DC United, a club where he was named MVP and golden boot winner during his playing days.
But he left Washington in October 2023 after their hopes of making the Major League Soccer play-offs ended.
A week later the former England skipper replaced the sacked John Eustace at Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half year deal.
But after overseeing just two wins in 15 games Rooney was sacked by Birmingham at the start of January 2024.
In May 2024, Rooney signed a three-year deal to become head coach at Plymouth Argyle, but left the club at the end of year as they fell to the bottom of the Championship table.
The Everton years
Career at Manchester United
The DC United love affair
Flop at Birmingham City
More failure at Plymouth
International career with England
Personal life
Net worth
Wayne Rooney News
Wayne Rooney returns to football management with shock Championship appointment
Former England captain and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has returned to football management by taking over Championship side Plymouth.
Wayne Rooney blasts Man Utd's absentees for 'hiding behind injuries'
Wayne Rooney has claimed some of Manchester United's absent players are hiding behind their injuries.
Wayne Rooney would 'walk' to Man City to be Pep Guardiola's assistant
Wayne Rooney admits he would jump at the opportunity to become Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
Next Birmingham City manager odds: Super Steve Cooper to save Blues?
The curtain has fallen on Wayne Rooney's short spell in charge at Birmingham City after a disastrous 15 games in charge and speculation has immediately turned to who will replace him at St Andrew's.
Birmingham sack Wayne Rooney after terrible spell in charge
Birmingham City have sacked Wayne Rooney after just fifteen games in charge.
Wayne Rooney reacts as Birmingham hit new low with 3-0 thumping away at Leeds United
Wayne Rooney is determined to turn things around at struggling Birmingham after a 3-0 defeat against Leeds left his side facing a Championship relegation battle.