Challenges Faced by Wayne Rooney: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Wayne Rooney's life and career.

Wayne Rooney, an English professional football manager and former player, is considered one of the best players of his generation and a British great. He holds the record for most goals scored for Manchester United and was England's top goalscorer from 2015-2023. Rooney also holds the record for England appearances by an outfield player. While primarily a forward, he played various midfield roles throughout his career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: Right Foot Injury

Wayne Rooney fractured his left metatarsal in United's opening-day goalless draw against Reading on 12 August, the same injury he had suffered to his right foot in 2004.

September 2005: Champions League Red Card

In September 2005, Wayne Rooney was sent off in a Champions League match against Villarreal for sarcastically clapping the referee.

April 2006: Foot Injury Before 2006 FIFA World Cup

In April 2006, Wayne Rooney faced a race against time to recover from a foot injury sustained in a Premier League match to participate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. England used an oxygen tent to hasten his recovery.

August 2006: Sent off against Porto

On 4 August 2006, Wayne Rooney was sent off in the Amsterdam Tournament match against Porto after hitting Pepe with his elbow.

2006: Scoreless Streak

During the first half of the 2006-07 season, Wayne Rooney endured a ten-game scoreless streak.

2006: Sending Off During World Cup

Wayne Rooney returned to the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on 26 April, a location where he was sent off during the 2006 FIFA World Cup against Portugal.

2010: Ankle Injury and PFA Player of the Year Award

In March 2010, Wayne Rooney twisted his ankle during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Despite the injury, he played in the second leg. On 25 April 2010, Rooney was named the 2010 PFA Players' Player of the Year.

December 2011: UEFA Reduces Rooney's Ban

In December 2011, UEFA reduced Wayne Rooney's ban for a red card to two matches after an appeal from the FA, meaning he would miss the matches against France and Sweden.

2012: Euro 2012 Qualification and Red Card

In 2012, during the Euro 2012 qualification campaign, Wayne Rooney was sent off for a tackle against Montenegro. He later apologized to UEFA for his actions.

July 2013: Transfer Speculation and Moyes' Announcement

In July 2013, David Moyes, the new Manchester United manager, publicly stated that Wayne Rooney was not for sale amidst interest from clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea confirmed on July 16th, 2013, that they had made a bid for Rooney, but Manchester United rejected it.

September 2014: Rooney Becomes Third Highest Premier League Goalscorer and Receives a Red Card

On September 27, 2014, Rooney surpassed Thierry Henry to become the third-highest Premier League goalscorer with 176 goals in a 2–1 victory against West Ham. However, in the same match, he was sent off for a foul on Stewart Downing, resulting in a three-game suspension.

2014: First World Cup Goal

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in England's second group match against Uruguay, Rooney scored his first World Cup goal in a 2–1 loss. England was eliminated from the World Cup after finishing last in their group.

February 2015: Criticism for Diving and Apology

On February 16, 2015, in an FA Cup match against Preston North End, Rooney faced criticism for diving to earn a penalty. Despite replays suggesting no contact with the goalkeeper, Rooney later apologized, acknowledging his intent to secure a penalty. This penalty marked his first goal in 2015, ending a goalless streak.

2016: Euro 2016 and Loss Against Iceland

During England's opening match of UEFA Euro 2016 against Russia in June 2016, Wayne Rooney was named man of the match. On June 27, he scored against Iceland. However, England lost the match 2-1 and was eliminated from the tournament.